Lowndes and Chevrolet to take on Finke Desert race

Supercars legend Craig Lowndes will compete the full Finke Desert Race for the first time with Chevrolet this year.

Lowndes has previously made cameo appearances at the famous off-road event such as 2021, while he also won the Great Australian Safari on his first attempt in 2010.

He will be taking on the entire Finke Desert Race in 2024 alongside Dakar co-driver Dale Moscatt in a factory backed Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 ‘off road racer’.

Chevrolet Racing, the motorsport arm of General Motors Australia and New Zealand has teamed up with GMSV to make the project happen.

Lowndes is used to racing on the smooth tarmac tracks all over Australia but he is looking forward to the new challenge of racing on the dirt in the “Red Centre” at Finke.

“I’m thrilled to be taking the Silverado to Finke,” Lowndes said. 

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 that will be coming to Alice Springs. Image: Supplied

“It’s been a while since I won the Australian Safari, which was way back in 2010, this is going to be a great test.

“I drive a Silverado ZR2 every day and regularly put it through its paces off-road on weekends, as well as towing our caravan yearly to the Bathurst 1000. 

“It covers impressive distances and handles Australian conditions so easily, now we’re out to prove its off-road capability.”

To convert the Silverado ZR2 into an Off-Road Racer a full national spec roll cage, seats, harness, ZR2 Multimatic DSSV Shock absorbers, re-tuned for off road racing, Chevrolet Performance heavy duty driveshaft, AEV Bison underbody protection and 35 Inch BF Goodrich KM3 tyres have been equipped.

It was built in Port Melbourne by GM employee volunteers, while part of the preparation included time with the GM Motorsports Division in the USA finding out tips from Hall Racing.

General Manager Chevrolet Racing Australia and New Zealand Chris Payne said the Silverado ZR2 is ready to spearhead the brand’s assault into off road racing.

“This is Chevrolet Racing’s first foray into the world of Off-Road Racing and builds on other motorsport categories we compete in, including Supercars and Drag Racing,” he said.

“It is a natural fit for a vehicle such as the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, which is already an accomplished all-terrain performer in its own right, as this provides an opportunity to showcase all-round capability and demonstrate multi-purpose off road prowess.”

The 2024 Finke Desert Race will be held on June 7-10.

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