Craig Lowndes leads the series for the first time since 2006
More news
6:00 AM Thu 13 October, 2011
Source: BigPond Sport
He missed out on the Peter Brock trophy this year, but snatching the championship lead should be some consolation for Craig Lowndes.
The TeamVodafone driver has accumulated more championship points than any other regular driver in the Season of Endurance, and now sits 100 points clear of teammate Jamie Whincup on the championship ladder - the first time since 2006 that the three-time champ has led the series standings.
Stone Brothers Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen holds onto third in the standings, but a disappointing Bathurst result has put him 300 points – or the equivalent of two race wins- adrift.
The TeamVodafone teammates have been the standout performers this season, closely matched on pole positions (five each) and race wins (Lowndes’ 4 to Whincup’s 6).
“I’m definitely in a better position in the championship than in previous years, but there’s no doubt that Jamie will fight back,” said Lowndes.
“He loves the Gold Coast and the Sydney circuits, so there’s two of the remaining four events that I know he’ll push very hard at.
“I really enjoy Sandown and Tasmania, so there’ll be a 50-50 split with the circuits we both like.”
“The championship is still up for grabs. Anyone can have a bad day or a bad weekend so I’ve just got to keep pushing on.”
If past form is anything to go by, Whincup looks to be the biggest threat to Lowndes’ fourth championship crown.
Last year Whincup left Bathurst 125 points behind then-series leader James Courtney. While the wheels fell off Lowndes’ campaign over the last seven races, Whincup clawed his way back into the title contention and took the fight all the way to the final race in Sydney.
Lowndes’ fate doesn’t yet rest entirely in his own hands. Next weekend’s Armor All Gold Coast 600 is the last endurance race of the season and the 28 International co-drivers will certainly influence the outcome of this year’s championship.
Lowndes is reuniting with three-time World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx in the event’s two 300-kilometre races. The pair finished on the podium in Saturday’s race and Priaulx was awarded the International Trophy for best performing visiting driver.
“I had a good run at the Gold Coast last year with Andy, but tracks like the Gold Coast and Sydney have had more carnage than any others over the last couple of years,” said Lowndes.
“After the Gold Coast 600 we’ll have a much better feel for what the championship looks like.”
The Armor All Gold Coast 600 will be held on the Surfers Paradise street circuit from October 21-23.
For more information head to goldcoast600.com.au
