Supercars 2022: Craig Lowndes to continue assault on Bathurst as a wildcard entry with Declan Fraser
Already a Mt Panorama legend with seven wins, Craig Lowndes could move closer to Peter Brock’s all-time record after agreeing to a shock comeback with next gen driver Declan Fraser.
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Craig Lowndes’ 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.
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“And I’m so excited to guide him on his journey into the Supercars. I’m also thrilled to be representing Supercheap Auto at the mountain for the first time in my career.”
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.
“It will feel a little strange not being in a Red Bull Ampol car for the first time in a long time,” Lowndes said.
“But we’re all one team here at Triple Eight.”
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.”
While he is not racing alongside Triple Eight topgun Shane van Gisbergen, Lowndes said he still had a shot at winning his 8th 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.”
Given the dream drive alongside Lowndes, Bathurst rookie Fraser, 21, will step up from the Super2 series for a shot at Mount Panorama glory.
“I grew up watching Lowndesy at Bathurst like every other kid did,” Fraser said.
“So to see my name on the side of this car alongside his heading to Bathurst is super special, surreal even. I’m excited to get everything underway and see how it all pans out.
“To be associated with such a massive brand in Supercheap Auto, and for them to back me when they had a lot of drivers to choose from is an amazing feeling. I can’t thank them enough for enabling me to kickstart my career in Supercars in a pretty big way. ”
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