Craig Lowndes Returns to Iconic #15: Celebrating 30 Years of Supercars Glory with Team 18

Legendary driver reunites with his legendary number for a special anniversary celebration.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a Supercars race or competition, with the car number 15 prominently featured in a cubist, geometric style that captures the dynamic motion and intensity of the sport.As Craig Lowndes reunites with his iconic #15 car to celebrate 30 years of Supercars glory, the fractured, cubist composition captures the raw energy and competitive spirit of Australia's premier motorsport series.Hamilton Today

Thirty years after his debut, Australian racing icon Craig Lowndes is reuniting with the iconic #15 car number that launched his stellar Supercars career. Team 18 has revealed that their Supercheap Auto wildcard entry will sport the #15 for the upcoming Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 events, a nod to Lowndes' early triumphs with the Holden Racing Team in the 1990s.

Why it matters

Lowndes' decision to race with #15 again isn't just about nostalgia - it's a strategic move to reconnect with his passionate fan base and celebrate the origins of his legendary status in Australian motorsports. The #15 remains a beloved symbol of his rise to prominence, and this anniversary reunion is sure to spark excitement among long-time Supercars enthusiasts.

The details

Lowndes first raced with #15 during his sensational debut with the Holden Racing Team (HRT) in 1992. The number quickly became synonymous with his early successes, including a championship in 1996 and another in 1998 after a brief stint in Europe. While he's been inseparable from #888 in recent years, Lowndes' choice to stay with GM amid Triple Eight's shift to Ford has opened the door for this special anniversary celebration.

  • Lowndes made his Supercars debut in 1992 with the #15 car.
  • He won the Supercars championship in 1996 and 1998 while racing with #15.
  • Lowndes has raced with #888 for the past 21 years while driving for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
  • This year's Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 events will mark the 30th anniversary of Lowndes' first Supercars championship in 1996.

The players

Craig Lowndes

A legendary Australian racing driver who is considered one of the greatest Supercars competitors of all time, having won seven championships and a record seven Bathurst 1000 titles.

Charlie Schwerkolt

The owner of Team 18, the racing team that will field Lowndes' #15 car for the upcoming Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000 events.

Bayley Hall

A Porsche Carrera Cup standout who will share driving duties with Lowndes in the #15 car.

Will Brown

The driver who will take over the #888 car for Triple Eight Race Engineering this season, marking its return to the full-time Supercars grid since Lowndes' retirement in 2018.

Rick Kelly

The last driver to race the iconic #15 car in 2020, having previously won the 2004 Bathurst 1000 and the 2006 Supercars championship with the same number.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've spent almost two decades racing with #888, so discussing what's next with Charlie [Schwerkolt] was incredibly exciting. The number 15 was the first thing that came to mind - it's where my Supercars journey began in 1996. Returning to it now, 30 years later, with Team 18 feels truly special.”

— Craig Lowndes

“Craig Lowndes is a legend of our sport, and #15 is where it all started for him. Fans still remember the impact he made with that number - winning races, championships, and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with from day one. Bringing it back after three decades is a testament to his legacy, and we're honored to be part of it.”

— Charlie Schwerkolt, Team Owner, Team 18

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.