Craig Lowndes is a high-achieving Australian racing driver, known for his success in the Repco Supercars Championship.
He races for Triple Eight Race Engineering and has had a successful career in various categories.
In addition to his impressive driving skills, Lowndes is also a television commentator providing in-depth analysis and insight into the sport of motorsport.
File
- Full Name: Craig Lowndes
- Stage Name: Craig Lowndes
- Date of birth: June 21, 1974
- Age: 50 years old
- Place of birth: Melbourne, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Occupation: Australian race car driver
- Height: 1.82 m
- Parents: Frank Lowndes and Helen Lowndes
- Siblings: 1, Greg Lowndes
- Spouse: Lara McDonald (married 2016), Natalie Lowndes (married 1997–2011)
- Children: 2, Chilli Lowndes and Levi Lowndes
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Childhood life and education.
Craig Andrew Lowndes was born on June 21, 1974 in Melbourne, Australia. He was raised by his parents, Frank and Helen Lowndes, and grew up with a sibling, Greg Lowndes.
Craig is white and Christian. However, little is known about his early life or education, as he has not disclosed this information to the media.
Career
Craig Lowndes is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic and successful racing drivers. His career is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination and love of speed. However, his early years were challenging.
Lowndes’ passion for racing was ignited early on, but he faced financial difficulties as he climbed the motorsport ladder. Despite this, he persevered and eventually won the Formula Ford Australia Championship in 1993. His big break came in 1994 when he joined the Holden Racing Team (HRT).
Despite being a rookie, Lowndes quickly made a name for himself and became a fan favorite. However, as his career continued to grow, Lowndes faced criticism and controversy during his time at HRT. In 2001, he left the team to join Ford Performance Racing. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he continued to dominate the Supercars Championship and win multiple titles with FPR and later Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Lowndes’ championship dominance peaked in 1996 when he won the Supercars Championship, Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 titles in his debut season, becoming an instant legend in motorsport. Craig Lowndes is a legendary Australian racing driver who has achieved great success and recognition throughout his career.
He was a multiple V8 Supercars Champion, winning the title three times and cementing his status as one of the greatest drivers of his generation. Lowndes’ dominance at the Bathurst 1000 was also notable, with a record-breaking seven wins, demonstrating his skill and adaptability.
He drove for a number of teams throughout his career, including Ford Performance Racing and Triple Eight Race Engineering. In 2018, Lowndes announced his retirement from full-time driving but continued to work as a co-driver, leaving an invaluable legacy in Australian motorsport.
His key highlights include:
- Five-time winner of the prestigious Barry Sheene Medal.
- Won over 100 races.
- Is a member of the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Craig Lowndes has had a truly illustrious career in motorsport.
Awards and nominations
Major awards and honors
- Three-time V8 Supercars champion: 1996, 1998, 1999
- Five-time Barry Sheene Medal winner: Awarded to the best Supercars driver of the year
- Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner: A record-breaking achievement
- Two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner: Showing off his versatility
- Nine ATCC Endurance/Supercar V8 500 Kilometer Championship titles: Including six Sandown 500 wins, two Phillip Island 500 titles and one Queensland 500 win
- First driver in ATCC/V8SC history to win 100 races
- Holds the record for most podium finishes at the Bathurst 1000 with 14
- Order of Australia (OAM): Awarded for his contributions to motorsport and the community
Social media.
- Instagram Name: @craiglowndes888
- Facebook Name: Craig Lowndes
- Twitter Username: @craiglowndes888
Personal life
Craig Lowndes is a famous Australian racing driver who has been married twice. His first marriage to Natalie Lowndes ended in 2011 after 14 years together, and they have two children, Levi and Chilli.
His second marriage to Lara McDonald took place in 2016. However, their marriage was put to the test in 2021 when Lowndes admitted a three-year online affair almost ended their relationship.
Despite this, Lowndes publicly apologized for his actions and sought help, expressing a strong desire to prioritize his family and rebuild trust with his wife.
Lowndes has remained a devoted father to Levi Lowndes and Chilli Lowndes since his first marriage and is committed to focusing his full attention on his family.
Net worth
Craig Lowndes has had a successful career as an Australian racing driver, competing and winning in the Repco Supercars Championship.
With an estimated net worth of $5 million, he has proven his skills and talents on and off the track. His dedication and hard work have earned him a place among the top racers in the country.