Craig Lowndes will return to the race number that launched his championship career in 2026, with the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner confirmed to drive the #15 Chevrolet Camaro as part of Team 18’s Supercheap Auto wildcard program.
The #15 carries particular significance for Lowndes. It was the first number he raced in the Supercars Championship, debuting as #015 in the endurance events in 1994 before stepping into the #15 full-time in 1996 for his maiden Australian Touring Car Championship campaign.
That season proved to be a defining one. Lowndes won his first championship round at Sydney Motorsport Park and went on to claim the ATCC title in his debut year, establishing himself as one of the sport’s emerging talents.
Following a season racing in Europe in 1997, Lowndes returned to Australia in 1998 and reclaimed the #15, guiding it to a second ATCC crown within three seasons of his full-time debut.
The number later became synonymous with Rick Kelly, who won the championship with #15 in 2006 and continued to race it until his retirement in 2020.
Lowndes’ return to #15 in 2026 marks a full-circle moment, linking his breakthrough years at the factory Holden operation with a new chapter alongside Team 18, now the Chevrolet Racing homologation partner. The wildcard entry will see the #15 Chevrolet Camaro run alongside the team’s full-time #18 and #20 entries, supported by Supercheap Auto.
The co-driver for the Supercheap Auto wildcard will be announced on 17 February, with further details of the program to follow.
What they said
Craig Lowndes
“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 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.”
