'Right move for me': Supercars legend Craig Lowndes signs two-year deal with Team 18
Australian motorsport legend Craig Lowndes has confirmed he will join Team 18 on a two-year deal in a major boost for the program.
The three-time Supercars champion will become part of the team, in partnership with Chevrolet Racing, to lead a wildcard entry for endurance races from 2026.
Leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto will also be part of the deal.
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Lowndes is one of the most experienced drivers in Supercars history and has won the Bathurst 1000 on seven occasions.
The 51-year-old said he was looking forward to joining the program.
Craig Lowndes Getty
"It's an exciting time ahead," Lowndes said in a statement.
"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 two 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."
This year, David Reynolds has earned a pole position for Team 18, while fellow driver Anton De Pasquale has claimed two podium finishes.
Team owner Charlie Schwerkolt admitted it was a huge moment to welcome Lowndes into the fold for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
"It's an incredible honour to welcome Craig Lowndes and Supercheap Auto to Team 18," he said.
Craig Lowndes at the announcement of joining Team 18 Supplied
"To go from starting as a single-car customer entry in 2013, to building a team from the ground up, to now running a wildcard for one of the most legendary names in Supercars, it's a proud moment for every person in our organisation.
"We'll be throwing everything at this program to ensure it's competitive from day one. The standard set by Triple Eight with this wildcard over the past few years has been exceptional, and we're committed to carrying that legacy forward.
"Our next step is to identify a rising star to pair with Craig, assemble the right crew, and build a program that can challenge at Bathurst and The Bend."
Details including the co-driver and race number for the entry will be revealed next year.
