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Quote - http://www.craiglowndes.com.au/content/bio.htm
Craig Lowndes made an early debut in Australian motorsport, competing in his first event at just nine years of age.
Go-Karting was the starting point for this talented youngster, who quickly showed the potential to rise to the ranks of Formula Ford, where he took out the national title in 1993.
Hungry for a greater challenge, Lowndes progressed to Formula Holden in 1994, winning the Silver Star class and gaining the attention of prominent V8 Supercar team, Holden Racing Team (HRT).
Lowndes was offered a test with the front-running operation and the opportunity saw him quickly establish a clean, quick style behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar.
A star in the making, Lowndes took second place at his debut performance in the Bathurst 1000 endurance event in 1994. He secured pole position for the team at both the Bathurst and Sandown events in 1995.
Not surprisingly, Lowndes joined HRT full time in 1996 and became the nation’s youngest ever touring car champion.
In a brilliant debut season for the 22-year-old, Lowndes became the second driver ever to win Sandown and Bathurst in the same year, giving him victory in the most sought after events of Australian motorsport.
The only other driver to win both Bathurst and Sandown, as well as taking out Championship honours in the one season, was the legendary Peter Brock. Clearly, a very special talent was emerging.
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