A Racing Legend's New Chapter: Craig Lowndes' First Impressions
A Supercars icon steps into uncharted territory, and his words are a must-read!
Craig Lowndes, a living legend in the world of Supercars, is embarking on a bold new journey this season. After two decades with Triple Eight, he's now steering a Chevrolet for Team 18, a move that's got the racing world buzzing.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lowndes, a true veteran, is not just driving for any team; he's joining forces with Chevrolet after his former team, T8, made a controversial switch to Ford. Talk about a bold move!
And this is the part most people miss... Lowndes isn't just a driver; he's the head of the Supercheap Auto-backed wildcard program, which has now shifted from T8 to Team 18. It's a whole new adventure for him, and he's taking it in his stride.
Today, Lowndes got his first taste of the Team 18 Camaro, jumping into Anton De Pasquale's ride during a corporate event at SMP. And the seven-time Bathurst 1000 champion was not just impressed; he was blown away.
"It's been an incredible experience," Lowndes shared. "Walking into a new team, you never know what to expect, but Team 18 has impressed me with their smooth and efficient operations."
He continued, "Driving the Camaro was a pleasure. It had a few subtle differences from what I'm used to, but in a positive way. The steering felt really responsive and light, and the car itself felt solid and comfortable."
Lowndes also praised the ergonomics, saying, "Sitting in Anton's car felt like coming home. I'm thrilled to be a part of this team and excited about what the future holds."
Lowndes will share the Supercheap Camaro with Bayley Hall, a former Carrera Cup racer making his Super2 debut. Hall also got his first taste of the Gen3 hardware during the ride day, and Lowndes was quick to highlight his excitement.
"For Bayley, it was his first time in a Gen3 car, and he loved the experience. He noticed the mechanical grip these Gen3 Chevys offer, which is a world apart from the Super2 Commodore. He felt right at home and was thrilled."
Team 18 has made an impressive start to the 2026 season, with De Pasquale securing a well-deserved win in Sydney on Saturday night, opening the account for GM. Lowndes believes this win sets a high standard and creates momentum for the team.
"The first win is always important to set a benchmark and build momentum. Anton has definitely achieved that. It shows the potential and speed of our team, and we're excited to build on this success."
So, what do you think? Is Lowndes' move a bold step forward, or a risky venture? Let us know in the comments; we'd love to hear your thoughts on this racing legend's new chapter!
