Craig Lowndes is bringing back his iconic racing number, #15, for a special anniversary celebration. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't the same #15 he used to win the Australian Touring Car Championship three decades ago. This time, it's a wildcard entry for the Supercheap Auto race, and it's a big deal for Team 18. Get ready to dive into the history of this number and its significance for Lowndes and the racing world.
In 1992, the Holden Racing Team (HRT) introduced #15 as a companion to their existing #16. It was a strategic move, and it paid off when Craig Lowndes made his Bathurst debut with HRT in 1994, racing with the number #015, a reference to the team's sponsor, Telecom MobileNet. The number became synonymous with success, as Lowndes went on to win the Australian Touring Car Championship in his debut year.
However, the number's journey with Lowndes took an interesting turn in 1996. As the telecommunications company backed out, the number simplified back to #15. But this wasn't the end of the road for the number. Lowndes raced in Europe in 1997, and upon his return, he brought #15 back to HRT, where it helped him secure a second championship in 1998. After that, he switched to the champion's number, #1.
Fast forward to the present, and Lowndes has been racing with #888 for the last 21 years, driving for Triple Eight Race Engineering. But now, he's making a bold move, sticking with General Motors (GM) despite Triple Eight's switch to Ford. This decision has led to a change in team and number, and the choice of #15 is a nod to the past, a perfect fit for the 1996 anniversary.
"I’ve spent almost two decades racing with #888, so to sit down with Charlie [Schwerkolt] and talk about what comes next was exciting,” said Lowndes. "The number 15 was the first one that came to mind because it’s where my Supercars career began back in 1996." This decision is a testament to Lowndes' loyalty and his desire to honor his racing heritage.
Team owner Schwerkolt shared his excitement, stating, "Craig Lowndes is one of the true legends of our sport, and the number 15 is where it all began for him." This move is not just about bringing back a number; it's about celebrating Lowndes' extraordinary career and the history of the sport. The number #15 has witnessed Lowndes' rise to fame, and now, it will be a part of a new chapter in his racing journey.
Lowndes will be sharing the #15 Team 18 Camaro with Porsche Carrera Cup runner Bayley Hall in The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 events. This wildcard entry is a unique opportunity to see the number #15 in action once again, and it's a treat for fans who have followed Lowndes' career. As the racing world eagerly awaits the return of this iconic number, one thing is clear: Craig Lowndes is making history, and #15 is at the heart of it.
