Lowndes, Schenken inducted into Hall of Fame

Craig Lowndes and Tim Schenken are the latest inductees of the Supercars Hall of Fame.

Seven-time Bathurst winner Lowndes and long-time Supercars Race Director Schenken were celebrated at the 2022 Gala Awards at the Adelaide Oval.

Both Lowndes and Schenken received a standing ovation when they were announced.

Lowndes and Schenken take the Hall of Fame inductees class to 25.

Schenken, 78, retired from his role at the end of 2021.

The famous race control tower at Mount Panorama was renamed the Tim Schenken OAM Race Control Centre in his honour.

He took on the top Race Control job for the Australia Touring Car Championship in 1987.

Schenken participated in 36 Formula 1 Grands Prix between 1970 and 1974, and is also a Le Mans class winner.

He still managed to poke fun at himself, labelling himself “like a drover’s dog — all prick and ribs”.

Through it all, Schenken was overwhelmed by the honour.

“There are so many people I know here — it’s emotional,” he said.

“Every race has its special feature, every race is challenge.

“I have to say, being involved in Bathurst over the years, and the challenges involved in that — it’s a standout.

“It’s a very selfish sport — it’s all about you… so thank you for putting up with me all these years.”

Lowndes followed Schenken, joining Bathurst-winning co-driver Jamie Whincup in the Hall of Fame.

The 48-year-old has claimed seven Bathurst wins, six Sandown 500 victories, two Phillip Island 500 crowns and one Queensland 500 win.

Lowndes — now part of the broadcast team — became the first driver in Supercars history to win 100 races in 2015.

He also holds the record for the most Bathurst 1000 podiums with 14.

At this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000, Lowndes became the first driver in history to start 300 championship rounds.

He christened the milestone with the best ever Bathurst result by a wildcard, eighth with Declan Fraser.

“It’s unbelievable to be inducted,” Lowndes said.

“I’ve been very lucky to have had the career I’ve had for such a long time.

“Supercars is like a big family… the fans are the backbone of motor racing.

“When you start in go karts you never know how long you’re going to be involved, and how far you’ll go.

“Life is like a race strategy — when you grow up, you have to make the right choices.

“You’ve got to be in the right team at the right time… thankfully I’ve had that.

“It’s been a journey, and it’s made me the person I am today.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle next March.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.