Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes has sampled a Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro for the first time, marking a significant shift in his decorated Supercars career. Lowndes, who will partner with Super2 debutant Bayley Hall in the Supercheap Auto-backed wildcard program, expressed his positive impressions after a corporate ride day at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMP). This season represents the first time in two decades Lowndes will drive for a team other than Triple Eight Race Engineering, following their move to Ford.
The transition to Team 18 comes as Triple Eight switched manufacturers, moving from Chevrolet to Ford. Lowndes, however, remains committed to the wildcard program, now operating under a latest banner. He described the Team 18 operation as “slick” and was pleased with the initial feel of the Camaro, noting subtle but positive differences compared to previous machinery. The Supercars legend’s first experience behind the wheel of the Camaro signals a new chapter as he prepares for the upcoming season.
First Impressions of the Camaro
During the ride day, Lowndes took the opportunity to drive Anton De Pasquale’s Camaro, gaining valuable seat time and familiarizing himself with the Gen3-spec vehicle. “Driving the car was really nice, it was quality to get a feel for it,” Lowndes said. “Little, small differences from where I’ve approach from and Team 18, but in a good, positive way.” He specifically highlighted the steering feel, describing the input and weight as “really nice,” and noted the car felt “solid and nice in a lot of ways.”
Lowndes also praised the ergonomics of the Camaro, stating it felt comfortable and familiar. “The ergonomics, I sat in Anton’s car and it feels like at home again, so that side of it has been great. I’m just happy to be part of the team and looking forward to the future.” This quick adaptation suggests a smooth integration into the Team 18 setup.
Hall’s First Gen3 Experience
The ride day wasn’t solely focused on Lowndes’ acclimatization. Bayley Hall, transitioning from the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia to Super2, also experienced a Gen3 Supercar for the first time. Lowndes shared Hall’s initial reaction, emphasizing the increased mechanical grip compared to the Super2 Commodore he previously drove. “It’s the first time he’s sat in a Gen3 car so it’s really nice he got an opportunity to feel the car, sit in the car [and] drive the car,” Lowndes explained. “The first thing he said is the difference between the Super2 Commodore and the Gen3 Chevy is these Gen3 cars have a lot more mechanical grip. He was really excited and felt really comfortable.”
Team 18’s Strong Start to the Season
Team 18 has already demonstrated strong performance in the 2026 season, with Anton De Pasquale securing a victory in Sydney, marking the first win for a Chevrolet Camaro in the current championship. This victory was seen as a significant moment for the team and the manufacturer. Lowndes acknowledged the importance of this early success, stating, “I feel that the first one is important to set a standard and a bit of momentum. Anton has definitely done that. It shows promise in the team that the car is fast.”
The combination of a successful start to the season and Lowndes’ positive initial impressions suggests a promising outlook for Team 18 and their wildcard entry. The team’s ability to quickly adapt to the Gen3 regulations and secure a win demonstrates their potential for continued success throughout the 2026 Supercars Championship.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on building momentum and preparing for the endurance races. The pairing of Lowndes and Hall presents an exciting prospect for Team 18, blending experience with emerging talent. Fans will be watching closely to spot how this combination performs as the championship unfolds.
What are your thoughts on Craig Lowndes’ move to Team 18? Share your predictions for the season in the comments below!