King and kid join forces for Bathurst
CRAIG Lowndes’s dream of beating Peter Brock’s Bathurst 1000 record is alive with the V8 legend confirming he will strap down at Mount Panorama this year.
Already a legend in his own right with seven wins at Mount Panorama, Lowndes could move another step closer to Brock’s all-time record of nine after he was given a wildcard entry to race alongside next gen driver Declan Fraser in a Supercheap Auto-backed entry. “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Declan for the Great Race,” Lowndes said.
“And I’m so excited to guide him on his journey into the Supercars.”
While retiring from the sport full-time at the end of 2018, Lowndes has continued his love affair with Mount Panorama by continuing to race at Bathurst as a co-driver.
But the Holden legend will this year race as a “lead” driver for the first time since his retirement after being paired with Fraser in a Triple Eight built wildcard. Lowndes raced alongside fellow legend Jamie Whincup last year.
Lowndes will be strapping down for his 29th Bathurst start. “It’s no secret the affinity I have with Bathurst and Mt Panorama,” Lowndes said. “It’s the racetrack that means more to me than any other place.”
Lowndes said he still had a shot at winning his eighth Bathurst crown.
“I also think we’re going to be a competitive pairing,” Lowndes said. “Declan has shown some great speed and composure in his Super2 career – two traits you need to win Bathurst. We have every intention of being right in the mix and giving the fans something to cheer about.”
Bathurst rookie Fraser, 21, said: “I grew up watching Lowndesy at Bathurst like every other kid did. So to see my name on the side of this car alongside his heading to Bathurst is super special, surreal even.”