Winning another Bathurst 1000 title was the last thing on Holden great Garth Tander's mind at the start of the year.
In fact, the former Supercars series champion wondered if he would get behind the wheel again after his glittering 19-year full-time career came to an abrupt halt with a shock axing in January.
No wonder the three-time Bathurst winner was pinching himself as he prepared to launch his 21st assault on Mount Panorama this weekend as one of the Great Race's hot favourites.
The 42-year-old will team up with Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen after being thrown a co-driver lifeline by heavyweights Red Bull Racing.