Podium finish for V8 Supercars star Craig Lowndes at total 24 Hours of Spa

Craig Lowndes has taken a podium finish in his maiden Total 24 Hours of Spa assault in the Pro-Am class in Belgium over the weekend. The #52 AF Corse Ferrari, piloted with fellow Australian driver Steve Wyatt along with Andrea Piccini and Michele Rugolo, was only outdone by the #53 AF Corse Ferrari which was just ahead of the #79 Ecurie Ecosse BMW in the category. With a start from 16th on the grid the team finished eighth overall just eight laps behind the leaders – #1 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT Audi.

“We did well with what we had, coming third in our class, it’s a great result for a 24 hour race,” Lowndes said.

“It’s been an incredible experience for me to come to Spa and achieve third with the team and although we had a few issues over the course of the race it was a dream come true and I’d love to come back.”

Lowndes, who took on a double driving stint during the night, was the man to take the team across the finish line in his first race back in Europe since 1997.

“Before the race kicked off I was full of enthusiasm and excitement and then by the end of the 24 hours, of course I was still excited to know what we’ve achieved, but I was knackered and a good sleep was definitely in order.”

The Total 24 Hours of Spa was the perfect setting to kick-start Craig’s preparation for the looming V8 Supercars, PIRTEK Enduro Cup which kicks off at the Sandown 500 on the 12th – 14th September.

“Endurance races are always a different experience because you win as a team and you lose as a team. There’s also a huge crew behind the scenes here at Spa and their passion is the buzz you get out of motorsport.”

Craig’s next race is with V8 Supercar team, Red Bull Racing Australia, on their home soil this weekend, the Ipswich 400 from the 1st – 3rd August.

Craig Lowndes