Craig Lowndes is bringing back his iconic racing number, #15, for a special anniversary celebration. But here's where it gets controversial... This move marks a significant return to his roots, but it also sparks debates among fans. In this article, we explore the history of Lowndes' number and the impact it has had on his career. 'I’ve spent almost two decades racing with #888, so to sit down with Charlie [Schwerkolt] and talk about what comes next was exciting,' said Lowndes. 'The number 15 was the first one that came to mind because it’s where my Supercars career began back in 1996.'
Let's dive into the story of #15 and its significance in Lowndes' racing journey.
The Birth of #15
In 1992, the Holden Racing Team (HRT) introduced the number #15, chosen to pair with its existing #16. This number became synonymous with Lowndes when he joined HRT in 1994, marking his sensational Bathurst debut. The number was a reference to team sponsor Telecom MobileNet, and it became #015.
The Telecommunications Company Withdraws Support
In 1996, the telecommunications company withdrew its support, and the number simplified back to #15. This marked a pivotal moment in Lowndes' career, as he went on to win his second championship in 1998 with the champion’s #1.
The Return of #15
After leaving HRT in 2000, Lowndes raced in Europe in 1997 before returning to HRT and taking #15 to a second championship in 1998. He then switched to the champion’s #1. For the last 21 years, Lowndes has been synonymous with #888 while driving for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
The 1996 Anniversary Celebration
Lowndes' decision to stick with GM amid Triple Eight’s defection to Ford meant a change of team and number, the choice of which neatly ties in with the 1996 anniversary. 'To go full circle and come back to 15 after three decades is something I’m incredibly proud of,' he said.
The Number #15 Today
Lowndes is expected to share the #15 Team 18 Camaro with Porsche Carrera Cup runner Bayley Hall in The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 events. This move brings back memories for fans, not just for Lowndes, but for everyone who remembers those early years. '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,' said Team owner Schwerkolt.
The Controversy and Counterpoint
While some fans are excited about the return of #15, others are divided. Some believe that Lowndes should have kept #888, while others argue that the number #15 is more iconic and deserves a comeback. '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,' said Lowndes. This move sparks debates among fans, and it's up to you to voice your opinion in the comments.
The History of #15
The number #15 has a rich history, having been used by various teams and drivers over the years. It was last seen in 2020 with Rick Kelly, who had won the 2004 Bathurst 1000 (alongside Greg Murphy) and 2006 championship with the number. The number has transferred through the Holden Young Lions, Kmart Racing, and HSV Dealer Team outfits between 1999 and 2008 before becoming part of Kelly Racing.
