THE finish line is not yet in sight for Craig Lowndes’ decorated Supercars career, with the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner striking a new two-year deal with Triple Eight.
Lowndes, 49, will remain on the grid as a co-driver into the 2025 season, meaning he has at least another three Great Race campaigns to come (including this year’s, alongside Zane Goddard).
Per Triple Eight’s announcement this morning, “the renewal signals the Brisbane-based team’s intention to continue fielding a wildcard program with Lowndes for Supercars’ endurance events for the next two years”.
That fits nicely with Triple Eight last week trumpeting a multi-year extension for wildcard backer Supercheap Auto.
In October, Lowndes will make his 30th start in the Bathurst 1000, and his 19th with Triple Eight.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be continuing my racing career with Triple Eight for the next two years and I’m excited to reach a 20-year milestone with the team in 2024,” said Lowndes.
“I’ve shared some amazing moments with Triple Eight over the past 18-and-a-half years, and I want to thank Jamie (Whincup), Jess (Dane) and the team for wanting to extend this successful partnership.
“It’s crazy to think we’ll be celebrating two decades together next year!
“When I retired from full-time racing at the end of 2018, I always said that I wanted to continue to stay involved by fostering the next generation of Supercars racers, which I’ve been fortunate enough to do through the team’s wildcard program.
“It’s something that I find both professionally and personally rewarding and a way I can give back to the sport that has been such a big part of my life.
“For now, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming enduro season alongside Zane Goddard and can’t wait to hit the track for our upcoming test days in preparation for the Sandown 500 in September.”
Triple Eight team principal Whincup hailed the agreement.
“Lowndesy is obviously a huge part of Triple Eight’s DNA, and for him to continue his legacy with the team into a 20th year and beyond is truly remarkable,” he said.
“I’ve personally shared so many memories with Craig, highlighted by our Bathurst 1000 three-peat which I’ll cherish forever.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now without his contribution to the team and the sport as a whole.
“Lowndesy’s worth is just as valuable off the track as it is on it.
“His mentorship of the youth in our sport, as we’ve seen from the success of our Supercheap Auto Racing wildcard program over the past two years, has been unbelievable.
“For these young guns to have someone of Lowndesy’s calibre by their side sharing his race craft and experience is something they can only dream of.”
