Supercars 2018: Australian motor-racing legend Craig Lowndes announces his retirement

CRAIG Lowndes may have called time on his illustrious 21-year career as a full-time driver but the 44-year-old’s drive to conquer Mount Panorama is not over yet.

Lowndes (right) and Triple Eight Race Engineering boss Roland Dane. Picture: AAP

• Shane van Gisbergen insists his team has the fastest car in Supercars

CRAIG Lowndes’ drive to conquer Mount Panorama is not over yet.

The 44-year-old has called time on his illustrious 21-year career as a full-time driver, meaning the chequered flag will fall on his career at the season-ending Newcastle 500.

But the legend will not be lost to the sport.

The six-time Bathurst winner will continue to race at Mount Panorama, Sandown and on the Gold Coast as an endurance-event driver with Triple Eight Race Engineering.

Craig Lowndes with his Commodore at the top of Mount Panorama’s Skyline in 2017.

“For me, Bathurst has always been the highlight of the year ... there’s no doubt that when we get to Bathurst this year, Richo (co-driver Steven Richards) and I — and I’ve spoken to Richo — we’re going to give it our all to make that, for me, No.7 and another one for the team.”

Partnering with either Shane van Gisbergen or Jamie Whincup in a V8 super team, Lowndes’ dream of equalling Peter Brock’s Mount Panorama record of nine remains alive.

“I think we’ll be having an arm-wrestle for who gets him as a co-driver next year,’’ Red Bull Holden Racing driver van Gisbergen said. “It’s pretty awesome. There’s not much you can say that hasn’t been said about him.”

An emotional Lowndes revealed the reasons for his decision at a press conference in Townsville ahead of this weekend’s Supercars round.

Craig Lowndes kisses his wife Lara after announcing his retirement. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I’ve always said there are two key factors keeping me racing and those are my motivation to keep getting up and doing what I love and my competitiveness, and for me, nothing has changed,’’ Lowndes said.

“But at the same time I want to make sure I finish my last full-time season with some strong results in the bag and after this year’s results so far Roland Dane (Triple Eight Race Engineering) and I came to the decision between us that this will be my last full season behind the wheel.’’

Lowndes revealed he will join the V8 commentary team next year and is also considering racing overseas.

Lowndes (right) and Triple Eight Race Engineering team boss Roland Dane. Picture: AAP

“I’ve also always said I’d love to go and do more racing overseas and in different categories,’’ Lowndes said. “Le Mans is definitely on the bucket list and hopefully this will enable me to go and do that, which Roland and the team will be supportive of.”

Lowndes will go down as one of the Australian motor racing’s greats.

With three championships, six Bathurst wins, 106 race wins and 42 poles, he has rightfully earned his place alongside the likes of Brock, Dick Johnson, Allan Moffat and Mark Skaife.

Often compared to Brock after making his debut alongside the V8 immortal at the Holden Racing Team in 2004, Lowndes has surpassed many of the feats of the late legend.

“It’s so sad to hear Craig is retiring from full-time Supercars racing,’’ said series leader Scott McLaughlin. “I feel very grateful to have raced hard against a modern-day legend.’’

Craig Lowndes celebrates his 2010 Bathurst triumph. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Supercars boss Sean Seamer also paid tribute to the departing driver.

“Craig Lowndes is not only the most recognisable face within Supercars, but he’s a role model and hero of the sport,” Seamer said.

“He’s a true legend of Australian sport. As an enduro driver, I have no doubt Craig will continue to be a regular visitor to the podium.

“As an ambassador to the sport, in whatever capacity he chooses, Craig will be a fundamental part of the Supercars family for many years to come and the entire Australian sporting landscape will be saddened to see him hang his helmet up after the last race of the year, but we won’t be allowing him to disappear from the paddock.’’

CRAIG LOWNDES’ STELLAR SUPERCARS CAREER

Debut: 2004 Oran Park

Round starts: 285

Race starts: 652 (Most in ATCC/Supercars history)

Race wins: 106 (Second most in ATCC/Supercars history)

Podiums: 162

Pole Positions: 42

Championships: 1996, 1998, 1999

Bathurst Victories: 1991 (Greg Murphy), 2006-2007-2008 (Jamie Whincup), 2010 (Mark Skaife), 2015 (Steven Richards)

Sandown 500 Victories: 1996-1997 (Greg Murphy), 2005 (Yvan Muller), 2007 (Jamie Whincup), 2012 (Warren Luff)

Awards: Five-time Barry Sheene Medal Winner

Race teams: 1996-200 Holden Racing Team, 2001-2002 Gibson Motorsport, 2003-2004 Ford Performance Racing, 2005-present Triple Eight Race Engineering