Craig Lowndes and Declan Fraser
Craig Lowndes and Declan Fraser share the Supercheap Auto-backed Triple Eight Race Engineering wildcard at the 2022 Bathurst 1000.
Following the success of the Supercheap Auto campaign last year, where Russell Ingall and Broc Feeney battled for a top 10 result before crashing late, it’s another case of a champion teaming up with a rising star.
Lowndes is the headliner, with Jamie Whincup takes over as co-driver in the #88 Red Bull Ampol Racing ZB Commodore†
Accordingly, the wildcard will carry the iconic #888 associated with Lowndes.
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“I am thrilled to be working with Declan for the Great Race, and I am so excited to accompany him on his journey to the Supercars,” said the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner.
“I am also thrilled to represent Supercheap Auto at The Mountain for the first time in my career.
“It will feel a little strange not being in a Red Bull Ampol car for the first time in a long time, but we are all one team here at Triple Eight.
“It’s no secret that I have an affinity for Bathurst and Mount Panorama, it’s the track that means more to me than anywhere else.
“I also think that we will form a competitive couple. Declan has shown amazing speed and composure throughout his Super2 career – two qualities you need to win Bathurst. We’re committed to being right in the mix and giving the fans something to cheer about.”
Fraser drives for Triple Eight in Super2 and is second in the standings after a solid first two rounds of the season.
He was selected ahead of Super2 teammate Cameron Hill to score the dream opportunity.
“I grew up watching Lowndesy in Bathurst like any other kid did, so to see my name on the side of this car next to its road to Bathurst is super special, surreal in fact,” said Fraser, who is expected to be the main driver. will be the driver of the car. †
“I’m excited to get it all going and see how it all plays out.
“It’s a great feeling to be associated with such a huge brand in Supercheap Auto, and for them to support me when they had so many drivers to choose from. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to kickstart my career in Supercars in a pretty big way.
“My aim is to hone my skills in the coming months to ensure I am fully prepared by the time I get to Bathurst.
“We’re getting a few extra days of testing as a wild card, which is good for me to familiarize myself with the ZB Commodore, but at the moment there are still a few Super2 rounds I need to focus on.
“I would also like to thank my family, my past and current partners and the entire team at Triple Eight. This is a great opportunity that has been presented to me and I am going to grab it with both hands.”
Fraser (left) with Lowndes
Triple Eight director Whincup in no way downplays the chances of the Lowndes/Fraser combination.
“Supercheap Auto has been a valuable partner to Triple Eight over the past 18 months, and I’m so excited to see their wildcard entry back at Bathurst,” said Whincup.
“I think having another unique combination of youth and experience with Declan and Craig will not only turn a lot of heads, but also be competitive.
“Declan will rack up valuable miles in Super2 this season and make his Bathurst 1000 debut with one of the most successful drivers in the sport.
“Don’t get me wrong, this is going to be a very competitive combination for the Great Race.”
Supercheap Auto Director Benjamin Ward added: “The Supercheap Auto wildcard entry is about bringing our team and our fans together to share our passion for the Bathurst 1000.
“We love this sport and its fans, and we are always looking to take advantage of our great partnership with Triple Eight in the Supercars Championship.
“To have a legend of the sport like Craig representing our brand in October will be a dream come true for all of us here at Supercheap Auto.
“Craig’s collaboration with a newcomer like Declan, on the infamous Mount Panorama circuit, is the ideal storyline for our wildcard program that continues the theme of linking childhood to experience.
“We hope fans will stand behind Lowndesy and Declan and follow us on this journey into the Great Race.”
The Repco Bathurst 1000 will be held from October 6-9.
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