Imagine this: a racing legend, after two decades of dominating the track, takes one final lap—not for glory, but for family. This is the emotional farewell Craig Lowndes gave to Triple Eight, a team he called home for 21 years. But here's where it gets even more heartwarming: his son, Levi, joined him in the passenger seat for this historic moment, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.
Lowndes, now 51, is leaving Triple Eight to join Team 18 as part of the Supercheap Auto-backed wildcard program. While his final race with the team was the high-profile Bathurst 1000 last month, it was the Sandown ride day that offered a more personal and intimate goodbye. The day wrapped up with Lowndes giving rides to family and friends, culminating in that special lap with Levi—a surprise even to him.
“It was a surprise,” Lowndes shared with Speedcafe about the unexpected opportunity to drive with his son. “It’s the first time he’s been in the car with me, and knowing it’s my last time with Triple Eight, it just felt right.”
As Lowndes completed his final laps, the Triple Eight crew formed a guard of honor in the pit box, though they had to wait a bit longer than planned. Why? He couldn’t resist sneaking in one more lap. “I didn’t really want to come in,” he admitted. “I was having too much fun. I’d been worried about the weather all day, hoping the rain would hold off, and thankfully, it only sprinkled a little.”
Reflecting on his time with the team, Lowndes couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. “It’s a fantastic team, and saying goodbye is tough. There are so many friends and memories here. They’re bound to achieve even greater things next year, but for me, this is the start of something new.”
Team manager Mark Dutton credited Triple Eight commercial director Tom Wilson for organizing the guard of honor, calling it a bittersweet moment for everyone involved. “It’s a reality now—no more CL driving a Triple Eight car,” Dutton told Speedcafe. “It’s sad, no doubt, but it’s been an incredible journey. We’re glad we could give him the chance to share his final rides with his loved ones.”
And this is the part most people miss: Lowndes’ decision to leave Triple Eight wasn’t just about a change of teams. It came amid the team’s controversial switch to Ford in 2026, with the seven-time Bathurst winner choosing to remain loyal to GM. Is this a bold move or a missed opportunity? What do you think? Let’s spark a discussion—share your thoughts in the comments below!
