Lowndes to partner rookie for 2022 Bathurst campaign
Triple Eight has unveiled Declan Fraser alongside Craig Lowndes in a wildcard for this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.
Lowndes will make his 29th consecutive Great Race start; Super2 young gun Fraser, meanwhile, will make his debut.
The duo will share a #888 Supercheap Auto Commodore at the October 6-9 event.
It’s the second year running Triple Eight has fielded a Bathurst wildcard, having entered a car for Broc Feeney and Russell Ingall last year.
It was also confirmed Sunday that Feeney will be joined by Jamie Whincup in the #88 Red Bull Ampol entry.
The 2020 race-winning combination of Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander returns for a fourth straight year.
Lowndes, who has won the Great Race seven times, was delighted to help Fraser begin his Bathurst journey.
Lowndes, Fraser and the test livery
"I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Declan for the Great Race,” Lowndes said.
"I’m so excited to guide him on his journey into the Supercars.
"It’s no secret the affinity I have with Bathurst and Mount Panorama, it’s the race track that means more to me than any other place.
"I also think we’re going to be a competitive pairing.
"Declan has shown some great speed and composure in his Super2 career, two traits you need to win Bathurst.
"We have every intention of being right in the mix and giving the fans something to cheer about.”
Queenslander Fraser is currently second in the Dunlop Super2 standings.
Fraser is second in the Super2 standings
Lowndes had made six Bathurst starts before Fraser was born in September 2000.
The call-up is even more surreal for Fraser, who watched Lowndes race to six more Bathurst wins between 2006 and 2018.
"I grew up watching Lowndesy at Bathurst like every other kid did,” Fraser said.
“So to see my name on the side of this car alongside his heading to Bathurst is super special, surreal even.
"I’m excited to get everything underway and see how it all pans out.
"My aim is to hone my skills over the next few months to make sure I’m fully prepared by the time I get to Bathurst.
"This is an amazing opportunity that’s been presented to me, and I’m going to grab it with both hands."
Tickets for this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 are on sale now.
