Lowndes confirmed for early V8 enduro miles
Craig Lowndes to make TA2 debut in Queensland Raceway enduro
GM Ambassador to pair with GM junior driver Jarrod Hughes
Both Lowndes and Hughes to contest Supercars Enduro Cup for Triple Eight, Erebus
General Motors have confirmed that Craig Lowndes is set for some pre-Enduro Cup long distance V8 miles alongside one of the brightest young stars in Australian motorsport.
Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner and three-time Supercars champion Lowndes will pair up with 2024 Dunlop Super2 Series Rookie of the Year Jarrod Hughes in the TA2 Racing Series Endurance Round at Queensland Raceway.
The event will be held on August 15-17, the weekend after the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440, and will be Lowndes' first appearance in TA2 machinery, before he teams up with Zach Bates for his final starts with Triple Eight at The Bend and Bathurst.
It will also mark the first time the GM Ambassador will race alongside one of GM's junior drivers, with Lowndes having previously been on hand to reveal the livery for rising star Alice Buckley's entry into TA2 in June.
“I cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the TA2 Camaro with Jarrod,” said Lowndes.
“I was lucky enough to be involved with the launch of Alice Buckley’s Camaro a few weeks ago. From everything I’ve heard the TA2 is like a Supercar of old, you really need to muscle it to get the best out of it.
"It’s a driving style that I love and hopefully I can share a few insights with the young guns.
“It’s fantastic that GM continues supporting the next generation of motorsport talent. I’ve learned from some of the greats I’ve grown up with, so for me it’s almost gone full circle to help transfer this knowledge and advice as best as I can to Jarrod and Alice.”
It will mark a special moment for 20-year-old Hughes, who will also be contesting the Enduro Cup races later this year alongside Jack Le Brocq at Erebus Motorsport.
The Brisbanite recalled core childhood memories from attending his home track, and admitted that the TA2 enduro will be a full circle moment in his young career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Craig a few times for various events and activities with GM, but to now have the opportunity to co-drive with him is an opportunity I’ve had to really work hard for,” said Hughes.
“I met Craig about 12 years ago at Queensland Raceway, so for my first race with him to be at this track is a pretty cool opportunity and a moment I won’t forget.”
Hughes currently leads the TA2 standings, and is one of several Super2 drivers to have appeared in the series this year, with the likes of Ben Gomersall and Ayrton Hodson also featuring.
