AutoAction
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SIGN UP

LOWNDES EYES GT AND SUPER2 IN 2021

Craig Lowndes eyes GT and Super2 in 2021 - Image: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Craig Lowndes eyes GT and Super2 in 2021 - Image: LAT

Craig Lowndes eyes GT and Super2 in 2021 – Image: LAT

Semi-retired superstar Craig Lowndes is looking to do more racing here and overseas next year to stay sharp for his one-off Supercars co-drive at Bathurst.

By MARK FOGARTY

In the last year of his current deal with Triple Eight, Lowndes will again be paired with Jamie Whincup.

As well as domestic and overseas GT races, the evergreen fan favourite has also expressed interest in some Super2 wildcard appearances to give him more seat time before the Bathurst 1000, which will be the only two-driver endurance race of 2021.

Lowndes has also put his hand up to continue as a co-driver in the new Gen3 era in 2022, as well as a test driver role with Triple Eight to help develop the Camaro.

He hopes to revive his GT racing ambitions, which were scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We had plans this year to be doing other races in other categories,” Lowndes told Auto Action.

“Unfortunately, with all the COVID problems, it shut those doors, but we’re knocking on those doors again for next year to see, firstly, if the categories are running, and then whether we can travel overseas is another element and whether teams are willing to have us.

“So the plan is to have more seat time next year, knowing that again we’re only going to have Bathurst as an endurance race here.”

Lowndes also didn’t rule out the possibility of some Super2 guest appearances to help his transition back into the Red Bull Ampol Racing Holden Commodore for its last outing at Mount Panorama.

“We could do a couple of wild cards, from what I understand,” he said. “They definitely could be useful.

“There’s no doubt the lack of seat time is an issue, although it’s not a major concern. Garth and I talked about it going to Bathurst this year, that we were a little concerned. We weren’t worried, just a little concerned about getting up to speed.”

However, he emphasised that he was happy with his speed in this year’s race, into which he went cold, until Whincup’s embarrassing exit.

“I was pleased with my pace in my first stint – unfortunately, we didn’t get to do the rest of the day,” he said.

Lowndes is involved with Triple Eight’s Super2 junior team as coach/mentor to Angelo Mouzouris, who will be joined next year by Broc Feeney.

“I’ve been helping Angelo this season and my plan is to help again next year,” he said. “Having Broc come into the fold is going to be interesting.

“It’ll be great for Angelo to have someone he can compare with. Having a teammate will be a bonus element for his development.”

Lowndes is also excited about Gen3 and wants a role into ’22 and beyond with the new-gen V8 racers.

“I’d love to be part of the Gen3 program,” he declared. “Whether that’s a testing program or a racing program, I don’t know. But I’m definitely keen.

“Testing has always been a big part of my approach and something I’ve enjoyed, getting in the car and reading it and finding out what it needs. So I’d definitely be keen to keep talking to Roland about being part of that program as well.”

Lowndes wants to continue as analyst on the Supercars broadcasts, hoping to return to the main Fox Sports desk alongside Mark Skaife.

But he is still waiting on a new TV deal.

We also asked Lowndesy to rate his Top 10 performers in our Supercars season 2020 review inside the latest Auto Action (1801), available right now.

Also make sure you follow us on social media FacebookTwitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.