Iron man Lowndes to pass Brock Bathurst record

The 2026 edition of the Great Race will be special for many reasons for Craig Lowndes.

The race marks 30 years since Lowndes's first Bathurst win, and 20 years since his second win just weeks after the passing of Peter Brock.

In 2026, Lowndes — who is two wins behind Brock's immortal tally of nine Bathurst wins — will surpass his late mentor's tally of Great Race starts.

Lowndes will make his 33rd consecutive Bathurst start, putting him into outright second on the all-time starts list between Jim Richards (35 starts) and Brock (32).

Lowndes drew level with Brock on 32 starts 12 months ago, and duly raced to a brilliant, against-the-odds top 10 finish with rookie Zach Bates in Triple Eight's wildcard.

The veteran has joined Team 18 in 2026, remaining in the General Motors family, and will race with another rising star in Bayley Hall.

In 32 attempts, Lowndes has captured a record 14 podiums: seven wins, five runner-up finishes and two third place finishes. Brock, Richards and Larry Perkins are equal second with 12 podiums, ahead of Mark Skaife (10).

A staggering 33 of 51 other drivers on the 2026 Bathurst grid were born after Lowndes made his Great Race debut, including co-driver Hall.

Lowndes will step into his #15 Supercheap Auto Camaro from Thursday October 8.

Supercars will celebrate Brock's legacy at this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 with a series of tributes. Brock cars will also be put on display at The Bend and Bathurst's National Motor Racing Museum.

Most Bathurst starts*

Most consecutive Bathurst starts*

*Includes years the race was held twice (1997 and 1998)

**Streak ongoing

^Will race in 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000