AUTOBARN LOWNDES RACING ZB COMMODORE REVEALED

Craig Lowndes has revealed his new Autobarn Lowndes Racing Commodore – Photo: Supplied

Craig Lowndes has taken the covers off his new look Autobarn backed next-generation Holden ZB Commodore during a special event at the Autobarn store in Logan City, Queensland.

The new naming right partnership announced last year between Autobarn and Triple Eight Race Engineering will se the No. 888 entry run under the Autobarn Lowndes Racing banner for the next two years.

The Autobarn Lowndes Racing Holden ZB Commodore – Photo: Supplied

Lowndes, a six-time Bathurst 1000 winner, says he’s thrilled to see the brand new look come to fruition in line with the introduction of the next-generation Commodore and share that with the supporters, both new and old.

“Tonight is the perfect opportunity to not only reveal our new livery and car but also to launch our exciting new team in Autobarn Lowndes Racing,” said Lowndes.

“The team have worked hard over the off-season to get the new car ready and the fresh look of the livery on the new body shape is something to be excited about ahead of the season.”

Despite clocking up 634 career starts, Lowndes is keen to get behind the wheel of the latest race car to carry the iconic Commodore nameplate, a car that was designed and built in-house by Triple Eight in conjunction with Holden.

“The first race event in Adelaide couldn’t come quick enough for me and the team. I can’t wait to get out there and see what we can do in the car,” he continued.

“Everyone back at the workshop has been working around the clock to get the car on the track and we couldn’t be happier with what they’ve done.”

Steve Richards also returns, again signing on to be Lowndes’ co-driver for the Pirtek Enduro Cup. It’ll be the fifth year partnership that won the Bathurst 1000 in 2015.

“I had no doubts to sign with the team again, I enjoy the endurance season and this gives Craig and me another chance to win another Bathurst 1000 together,” said Richards.

Craig Lowndes’s new Autobarn backed car – Photo: Supplied

This year marks the first of a two-year naming-rights deal with Autobarn and is the new chapter in Autobarn’s 15-year involvement with Craig Lowndes.

Peter Tilley, Executive General Manager – Retail, Automotive Brands Group, is looking forward to Autobarn Lowndes Racing hitting the track for the first time in 2018.

“Autobarn and Triple Eight have enjoyed an excellent relationship since its inception almost five years ago and we’re extremely proud to see it go from strength to strength,” said Tilley.

“Craig is a fantastic ambassador of both the sport and Autobarn, so for us, this is a natural progression of an already highly successful combination.”

Alongside Autobarn, the No. 888 Holden Commodore Supercar will again be supported by MTAA Super, IVECO, Crescent Tools, Caltex Australia, Red Bull and Holden in 2018.

Autobarn Lowndes Racing will make its competitive debut at the opening round of the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, the Adelaide 500, 1-4 March.

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