Lowndes wins ABC Sport Personality of the Year

Retiring Supercars legend Craig Lowndes has taken out the prestigious ABC Sport Personality of the Year award.

The accolade was voted on by almost 20,000 Australians, with Lowndes beating 14 other finalists.

Lowndes' win was announced at the black-tie AIS Sport Performance Awards ceremony in Sydney.

The national recognition caps an emotional farewell full-time Supercars season for the three-time champion and long-time fan favourite.

Lowndes, 44, enjoyed a return to form during his swansong season, winning the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and PIRTEK Enduro Cup, both alongside Steven Richards.

Others recognised at the AIS Awards included Paralympian Kurt Fearnley, whose marathon triumph and the full integration of para-sport at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games was voted the Best Sporting Moment of the year.

Lowndes will return for the Enduro Cup next year and plans to take on several GT races, starting with February's Bathurst 12 Hour.