Supercars legend Craig Lowdnes is daring to dream of breaking Peter Brock’s “impossible” record of nine Bathurst 1000 titles.
Seven-time Bathurst winner Lowndes, after extending his contract with Red Bull Holden Racing, will race at Mount Panorama until at least 2021.
Lowndes won Bathurst last year before retiring as a full-time Supercars driver. This season, he will race as a co-driver in the three endurance rounds at Bathurst, Sandown and Gold Coast.
The 45-year-old will partner Jamie Whincup for the Enduro Cup, as the pair look to repeat the form which had taken them to three-straight Bathurst wins from 2006.
Lowndes admits he has Brock’s formidable record in his sights.
“I always said in the early days I didn’t think it was going to be possible but, now we’re here, we’ve got seven and three more attempts to be able to do it so who knows?” Lowndes told AAP.
“Going to Bathurst this year as a co-driver is going to be very different to what I’m used to because, when I first started, I was a co-driver and now I’m going back full circle.
“But driving with Jamie, I think it’s going to be quite exciting. We’ve got a good history together so I suppose it was a no-brainer to get us back together.
“Fingers crossed, we can put on a good show. It’s just a matter of getting the car right, get some speed and see how the race unfolds.
“I love the Bathurst style of track and the race event because it’s a long-distance strategy; fuel consumption – all the elements play a big part in the outcome.”
Lowndes conceded he was never going to be able to sever all racing ties and even said he’d like to compete past his 47th birthday.
“The stepping-down phase from a main driver to a co-driver was really important for me. I wouldn’t have been able to leave the sport, cold turkey,” Lowndes said.
“I’d like to (race past 2021) – we’ll see. It really just comes down to performance. Staying fit is one thing but being fast enough to get in the car is another.
“We had a practice session yesterday and I’m still feeling comfortable and happy in the car and I feel like I’ve got more to contribute to the team.
“Next year will be really important for me to be able to do other races to keep sharp.”