Lowndes reacts to first BJR laps
A difference in "philosophy" was the standout for Craig Lowndes during his Brad Jones Racing cameo.
Lowndes steered Jack Smith's SCT Logistics Commodore at Sandown on Friday.
The seven-time Bathurst winner was handed the rare opportunity as BJR continues its search for a co-driver.
Racer-turned-broadcaster Lowndes didn't have a drive due to his wildcard being ineligible for the session.
Enter BJR, with Andrew Jones reaching out to Lowndes with the unique chance.
Lowndes completed two live crosses with commentators Neil Crompton and Mark Skaife during the session.
During his first run, Lowndes was initially taken aback by the different display in the cockpit.
Lowndes last drove a non-Triple Eight car in a competitive session in 2004, when he was at Ford Performance Racing.
"The first thing that really stands out is the ergonomics," he said.
"Basically all the buttons... I had to ask the team where the starter button was.
"To be honest, it's not too bad, it's got reasonably good balance.
"A little bit of a difference in philosophy in teams, how they operate, what they do.
"All in all, it's nice to be back in a car... I'm trying to get a feel for what it's all about."
Team owner Jones said the team is edging towards signing a co-driver, but was pleased to finally have Lowndes in one of his cars.
"He's doing a great job," Jones said.
"He's clearly enjoying himself, even with those two heckling him in the background.
"They're going through we'll make an announcement in due course.
"That's enabled a great opportunity for Craig to jump in one of our cars and have a squirt around."
Lowndes returned for another run on the same tyre set, and the team honed on set-up.
The three-time series champion wound up 20th, with Jamie Whincup quickest in Broc Feeney's car.
Lowndes, who will share a wildcard with Declan Fraser in Bathurst, hoped his laps could help unlock more pace for Smith.
Lowndes' BJR cameo was sandwiched by seat time aboard the Gen3 Camaro at Sandown.
"Just trying to settle the rear down a little bit more in the mid-corner than the entry," Lowndes said.
"Just trying to get the car to flow, especially down at Turn 1.
"The run to Turn 2, if we're in the limiter then we got a good exit.
"Just trying to settle the car down and get it to flow better."
When asked about the different to Triple Eight machinery, Lowndes said: "It has good drive, but doesn't feel as sharp on the rotation.
"Again, just a different philosophy between teams and how they attack it.
"Hopefully we can improve it for Jack."
Smith will return to the seat of his car for Practice 3 on Saturday morning at 10:30am local time.
Lowndes will make his 29th consecutive Bathurst start on October 6-9.
