January launch for Autobarn Lowndes Racing

The new identity for Craig Lowndes’ Supercars program, Autobarn Lowndes Racing will be launched by Triple Eight at the end of next month.

Autobarn ups its partnership with the Holden outfit and three-time champion Lowndes in 2018 to replace Caltex as the #888 entry’s naming-rights sponsor.

Lowndes’ new livery to accompany the new-for-2018 ZB Commodore will be revealed in an event on January 31.

The automotive parts retailer returns to its status as a primary sponsor in Supercars, having backed Rod Nash Racing and then Walkinshaw Racing Commodores between 2005 and ’10.

Triple Eight is expected to shakedown its new ZBs in early February, before Supercars’ official pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 16.

The two-year deal between Autobarn and the team matches Lowndes’ latest contract with Triple Eight, which was signed in May for the 2018 and ’19 seasons.

Lowndes recorded his lowest championship finish with Triple Eight this season, falling from sixth to 10th with a pair of DNFs in the Newcastle finale.

It was also the first time he has endured a winless campaign since joining the squad in 2005.

Concept liveries hit social media

While the livery Lowndes will carry in 2018 is still more than a month away from breaking cover, a series of concepts posted to social media give fans food for thought.

A pair of nickmossdesign.com concepts

Armageddon Designs

Southy's Creative Designs