Lowndes reflects on Brock, 20 years on

Craig Lowndes expects to head to Mount Panorama alongside his rivals carrying heavy hearts, as 2026 marks 20 years since Peter Brock's death.

Brock, a nine-time winner of the Great Race, died on September 8, 2006. He was 61.

News of Brock's tragic accident filtered through in the hours after his accident on the windy roads of Western Australia. It would reach Lowndes, Brock's protege, who turned emotion into victory in Bathurst just weeks later.

It was only fitting that Lowndes, alongside a young Jamie Whincup, would be the inaugural winner of the trophy carrying Brock's name.

On winning the very first Peter Brock Trophy, Lowndes said: "To hold the Peter Brock Trophy for the first time was massive.

"It's a dream come true, to know that my name will always be the first on that trophy.

"I'm not superstitious, but I know there was a lot of things that went on that day, that went in our favour, and I have no doubt that Peter had some sort of the result."

Brock's influence on Lowndes has carried on through the years, right through to the latter's exit from Triple Eight after two decades with the team.

Next month, Lowndes will record his 33rd Great Race start, taking him past Brock's 32. Only seven-time winner Jim Richards, who made 35 consecutive starts, has more appearances.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's AirTouch 500 at The Bend, Supercars Hall of Famer Lowndes remarked that the passing of his friend and mentor still feels raw.

“It's hard to believe it's 20 years since the passing of Peter,” Lowndes said.

"I, like most people, will probably still remember where you were at that moment, and I do. We go to Bathurst this year, somewhat celebrating who he was, what he stood for, 20 years on.

"I was lucky enough to win the first Peter Brock Trophy. I'd still prefer him to be around than what we're doing right now.”

Even after a record 681 starts, Lowndes puts on a smile when he gets out of the car, regardless of the result. He learned that from Brock.

"I grew up in the same area in Victoria. I went to the same high school, played football in the same football club,” Lowndes said.

“There's a lot of similarities where Peter grew up and what he did, and I was lucky enough to meet Peter in the early days before I even become a Supercar driver.

“It was great when I got an opportunity to join the Holden Racing Team, to be actually partnered up with Peter, and I learned a lot. I think it's more the off-track side of it, I learned a huge amount.

“The way he was able to get out of a race car, and if it was a bad result, still put a smile on and go and deal with the crowd... I think that's served me well.”

Supercars will celebrate Brock's legacy at this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 with a series of tributes. Brock cars will also be put on display at The Bend and Bathurst's National Motor Racing Museum.

On Sunday October 11, the Peter Brock Trophy will be awarded for the 21st time. No one has won it more than Lowndes' six.

It was the first win, just days after Brock died, that remains Lowndes' piece de resistance. The cards fell his way, Lowndes outlasting Rick Kelly by just — as it was meant to be — 0.5 seconds.

“2006 was obviously a very special year for all of us,” Lowndes said.

"We all went there knowing it was going to be a very emotional race, two weeks after his passing.

“I’ve got to say that our car wasn't the fastest car there that weekend. [Mark] Skaife and the HRT car put it on pole. They were the car to beat. But I think that as the day unfolded, I'm not superstitious, but things fell our way.

“When we had that great battle with Rick Kelly at the end, I think that kept me in check. History shows that the gap between Rick and I at the end of that race was 0.5."

Lowndes will partner rookie Bayley Hall at both the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, and Repco Bathurst 1000. Tickets for all remaining 2026 Supercars events are on sale now.

Most Bathurst starts*

Most consecutive Bathurst starts*

*Includes years the race was held twice (1997 and 1998)

**Streak ongoing

^Will race in 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000