Supercars legend Craig Lowndes will return to the race number that launched his championship career, with the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner confirmed to drive the number 15 Chevrolet for Team 18’s Supercheap Auto wildcard entry this year.
The #15 carries special significance for Lowndes, having been the first number he raced in the Supercars Championship. Lowndes debuted under #015 in the endurance races in 1994 before stepping into the #15 full-time in 1996 for his maiden Australian Touring Car Championship campaign.
That season, the young Victorian announced himself to the sport in emphatic fashion, claiming victory in his first championship round at Eastern Creek (now Sydney Motorsport Park) before going on to secure the ATCC crown in his debut year, a feat that cemented his status as one of the sport’s most prodigious talents.
After racing in Europe in 1997, Lowndes returned to Australia in 1998 and reclaimed #15, promptly guiding it to a second ATCC title in just three seasons.
The #15 later became attached to Rick Kelly, winning the championship with the number in 2006 and continuing to race it right up until his retirement in 2020.
Now, three decades after his Supercars debut, Lowndes’ return to #15 completes a full-circle moment, linking his breakthrough years at the factory Holden team with his next chapter at Team 18, the sport’s new Chevrolet Racing homologation partner.
Team 18 will field the #15 Supercheap Auto Chevrolet Camaro as a wildcard entry alongside its two full-time entries, running number #18 and #20.
The co-driver for the Supercheap Auto wildcard entry will be announced on February 17, with further details around the program to come.
QUOTES
Craig Lowndes, 2026 Supercheap Auto wildcard driver
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve spent almost two decades racing with 888, so to sit down with Charlie and talk about what comes next was exciting.
“The number 15 was the first one that came to mind because it’s where my Supercars career began back in 1996. To have the chance to return to it now, 30 years on, and to be able to do that with Team 18 is really special.
“I think fans are going to love it, because it brings back a lot of memories, not just for me, but for everyone who remembers those early years. To go full circle and come back to 15 after three decades is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Charlie Schwerkolt, Team Owner – Team 18
“Craig Lowndes is one of the true legends of our sport, and the number 15 is where it all began for him. People still remember the impact he had with that number, winning races, winning championships and announcing himself as something special from day one.
“To be able to bring that number back for Craig, 30 years on from his debut, and celebrate an incredible career in this way is something we’re extremely proud of at Team 18. It’s a chance to celebrate an extraordinary career, the history of the sport, and what Craig has meant to generations of Supercars fans.”
Andre Korte, General Manager of eCommerce & Marketing – Supercheap Auto
“Seeing Craig Lowndes return to the number that launched his Supercars career is a powerful moment for the sport and its fans.
“Craig is one of the true icons of Australian motorsport, and we’re incredibly proud to have him lead the Supercheap Auto wildcard program.
“Having Craig share his experience with the next generation of drivers is a huge part of what this program is about, and we’re looking forward to announcing who will be joining him in the Supercheap Auto Chevrolet next week.”