Craig Lowndes

Craig Lowndes is, by far, Australia’s most popular driver, and it is easy to understand why. The three-time series champion is the nicest bloke in the paddock, accommodating at all times and is a virtuoso behind the wheel. No one will soon forget his run at the 2010 Bathurst when he drove the entire final quarter of the race.

He made his V8 debut in June of 1994, when he did a test for HRT at Calder Park. Prior to that he had an outstanding career in karting and entry level open wheel racing, taking the 1993 Australian Formula Ford championship. The following year, it was looking likely that Peter Brock was on his way out at HRT and the team was looking for a successor. It turned out that there was a certain Franck Lowndes who had been a mechanic in the squad and was talking up his son’s racing skills. Legend has it that, following a parking lot incident, resulting in a virile argument with Jeff Grech the HRT team manager went to Franck to tell him exactly what he thought of his son Craig. A father-son chat ensued and eventually a test session was organised.

It was obvious that Lowndes was the right man for the job. Recruited into the squad for the endurance rounds in 1994 and 95’, he got a full-ride in 1996. And it got off to an ideal star with a win in the season opener at Eastern Creek! This rookie year concluded with eight wins, including athirst and the Sandown 500 and the title! No one had ever made such an extraordinary debut in the series.

In 1997, Craig Lowndes moved to Europe for a season in F3000. But things didn’t go according to plan and he was back in Australia the following year. Crowns in 1998 and 99’ have been made him a national hero. Beaten by Mark Skaife in 2000, Lowndes made the switch from Holden to Ford. He struggled for some years before signing with Triple 8 in 2005, where he returned to form with four Bathurst wins between 2006 -2010.

For the past few years it has seemed as if he can no longer maintain his legendary form over the course of a season and he suffered more than his share of mechanical woes. But he’s still the man down under with a charisma and work ethic second to none!