Supercars CEO Sean Seamer says the retiring Craig Lowndes is a ‘true legend of Australian sport’ and will remain a fundamental part of the championship for the foreseeable future.
Fans favourite Lowndes announced his full-time retirement from the series at the end of the season despite holding a contract with Triple Eight until the end of 2019.
The three-time series champion and six-time Bathurst 1000 winner will continue as a co-driver for Triple Eight next season, which he will dovetail alongside a media role with the Supercars broadcast team.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer paid tribute to arguably one of the sports’ biggest icons labelling the 44-year-old a role model and a hero.
“Craig Lowndes is not only the most recognisable face within Supercars, but he’s a role model and hero of the sport,” said Seamer.
“In the relatively short time that I’ve known him, Craig has proved himself to be the same genuine, friendly bloke in person that you see on camera, as well as one of the most tenacious drivers in the Series.
“He’s a true legend of Australian sport. As an enduro driver, I have no doubt Craig will continue to be a regular visitor to the podium.
“As an ambassador to the sport, in whatever capacity he chooses, Craig will be a fundamental part of the Supercars family for many years to come and the entire Australian sporting landscape will be saddened to see him hang his helmet up after the last race of the year, but we won’t be allowing him to disappear from the paddock.
“With that in mind, Craig will be joining our broadcast team in 2019, making sure that our fans still get to benefit from Craig’s insights, expertise and humour. He might be stepping back from full-time competition, but his presence in our great sport will continue to grow.”
Lowndes is currently fourth in the standings ahead of this weekend’s Watpac Townsville 400.