Lowndes to start new chapter at team 18
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 13 August 2025
After two decades at Triple Eight, the new chapter of Craig Lowndes’ legendary career will take place at Team 18.
Not only has Lowndes made the move to Chevrolet’s new homologation team led by Charlie Schwerkolt, but he has also brought Supercheap Auto with him.
He will be the star of a wildcard entry that will look and feel similar to the program run by Triple Eight since 2021 and compete in the 2026 enduros.
But with the championship leaders switching to Ford, Lowndes and Supercheap Auto will stick with Chevrolet and start a new era at Team 18.
Further details surrounding car number, team and co-driver will be announced, but it has been hinted a “young rookie driver” will be preferred.
It ends speculation over what will be the three-time champion’s next step since he announced he will leave Triple Eight after 21 straight seasons, plus what will happen to the Supercheap Auto wildcard after Jamie Whincup hinted it was “unlikely” at Ipswich.
During one of the longest ever team-driver partnerships since 2005, he has further grown his legendary status by taking a hat-trick of Great Race wins with Jamie Whincup from 2006-2008 before adding further wins in 2010, 2015 and 2018.
Since his famous farewell in 2018, Lowndes has remained co-driving at Triple Eight and been the veteran of the young Supercheap Auto wildcard program that has provided opportunities for Broc Feeney, Declan Fraser, Zane Goddard, Cooper Murray and current steerer Zach Bates.
Lowndes is honoured to continue playing that role at a new home in Team 18.
“It’s an exciting time ahead,” he said.
“The Supercheap Auto Wildcard program has grown from strength to strength during my time at Triple Eight.
“The young kids now look to it as a strong pathway to a future in the sport, we have seen that with previous years and team mates.
“To be continuing the program for the next 2 years with Team 18 and GM is a great thing.
“Joining Team 18 was the right move for me being the new homologation team and my strong relationship with GM.
“It’s going to be a big change – joining a new Team after so many years, but there are a lot of familiar faces in there. As well as seeing what Team 18 and Charlie have built in their workshop, it’s first class.
“Supercheap Auto have very much shown their commitment to the program and moving forward.
“So I am excited to continue to work alongside them, GM and now Team 18 to help continue and develop young drivers in their path in motorsport.”
The announcement is one of the first made since Team 18 was named as Chevrolet’s new homologation team.
Chevrolet Racing General Manager Chris Payne is looking forward to seeing how the established program goes at a new home.
“Chevrolet Racing is proud of our ongoing involvement in what is now widely considered the benchmark program for young driver development in Supercars,” he said.
“This is a testament to the legacy of the program built over the last five years by Triple Eight and Supercheap Auto, which is widely considered a first class example in Australian motorsport for the recognition and development of future talent.
“As a long term ambassador for GM and Chevrolet Racing, it’s fantastic to have Craig Lowndes continue to lead the program into this new era.
“The selection of Team 18 to run the wildcard further reinforces their appointment as GM’s homologation partner, and we look forward to continuing this journey with them and Supercheap Auto.
“GM has a strong relationship with Supercheap Auto both on and off the track, where our all makes ACDelco products are on sale in store and online.”
From 2005-2015 and 2021 to present, Supercheap Auto has a long history of backing teams racing with “The General.”
We’re incredibly proud of the Supercheap Auto Wildcard program, which continues to provide a platform for emerging talent to compete against the very best in Supercars,” said Supercheap Auto General Manager Andre Korte.
“As we head into our sixth year, 2026 marks an exciting new chapter as we partner with Team18. Led once again by Supercars legend Craig Lowndes, we’re thrilled to continue this program and can’t wait to hit the track during the 2026 Enduro season.”
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