Supercars legend Craig Lowdnes is daring to dream of breaking Peter Brock’s « impossible » record of nine Bathurst 1000 titles.
Seven-time Bathurst winner Lowndes, after extending his contract with Red Bull Holden Racing, will race at Mount Panorama until at least 2021.
Lowndes won Bathurst last year before retiring as a full-time Supercars driver. This season, he will race as a co-driver in the three endurance rounds at Bathurst, Sandown and Gold Coast.
The 45-year-old will partner Jamie Whincup for the Enduro Cup, as the pair look to repeat the form which had taken them to three-straight Bathurst wins from 2006.
Lowndes admits he has Brock’s formidable record in his sights.
« I always said in the early days I didn’t think it was going to be possible but, now we’re here, we’ve got seven and three more attempts to be able to do it so who knows? » Lowndes told AAP.
« Going to Bathurst this year as a co-driver is going to be very different to what I’m used to because, when I first started, I was a co-driver and now I’m going back full circle.
« But driving with Jamie, I think it’s going to be quite exciting. We’ve got a good history together so I suppose it was a no-brainer to get us back together.
« Fingers crossed, we can put on a good show. It’s just a matter of getting the car right, get some speed and see how the race unfolds.
« I love the Bathurst style of track and the race event because it’s a long-distance strategy; fuel consumption – all the elements play a big part in the outcome. »
Lowndes conceded he was never going to be able to sever all racing ties and even said he’d like to compete past his 47th birthday.
« The stepping-down phase from a main driver to a co-driver was really important for me. I wouldn’t have been able to leave the sport, cold turkey, » Lowndes said.
« I’d like to (race past 2021) – we’ll see. It really just comes down to performance. Staying fit is one thing but being fast enough to get in the car is another.
« We had a practice session yesterday and I’m still feeling comfortable and happy in the car and I feel like I’ve got more to contribute to the team.
« Next year will be really important for me to be able to do other races to keep sharp. »
http://www.espn.com/v8-supercars/story/_/id/27454070/lowndes-eyes-brock-bathurst-1000-record
