Lowndes returns with unfinished business

CRAIG Lowndes will resume his bid to become Bathurst’s greatest ever driver, with the Holden hero to come out of retirement for another shot at Mount Panorama glory.

Only two wins from equalling Peter Brock’s Bathurst winning record of nine, Lowndes yesterday declared his intention to claim an eighth crown, at the official launch of this year’s Bathurst 1000.

Lowndes, who retired from full-time action at the end of last year, will drive alongside Jamie Whincup in a Red Bull Racing Australia super-team for the V8 endurance season — beginning with the Bathurst 1000 on October 13.

“It is quite exciting to be coming back and driving with Jamie,’’ Lowndes said. “It is quite a big change to be coming back as a co-driver, especially after I was lucky enough to win it last year with Richo [Steven Richardson].

“I just love that time of year and I really embrace the energy of Bathurst.’’

Lowndes has kept an eye on the season since pulling the plug on a career, which delivered three championships and seven Bathurst titles.

“It has been interesting watching things unfold from the sidelines,’’ Lowndes said.

“I have been watching the development of the teams and cars and I am really excited about the challenge of getting back behind the wheel.’’

Lowndes will play second fiddle this time, with full-time driver Whincup expected to drive the bulk of the 161 laps.

“It is a very different role for me this year,’’ Lowndes said.

“I will be the co-driver and I will just be focused on race pace and doing the long run.

“Jamie will be focusing on the qualifying and the finishing of the race.

“My mindset will still be the same going in when it comes to preparation and getting organised. It will be special to drive alongside Jamie and I think we will be a chance.

“We go there with the same mindset every year and that is that if we get it all right we will be in the mix. I just love this event for so many reasons and for me I will go there and do my best for Jamie, and hopefully he will bring it home and get the checkered flag.

“I wouldn’t be pairing up with Jamie if I did not believe it was my best opportunity for me to win. It was easy for me to slip into a co-driver role and I was very happy to be with either Jamie or Shane [van Gisbergen].’’

The Supercars season resumes on October 23 with the OTR SuperSprint in Adelaide.