IT may have started out as a clever bit of ambush marketing, but Supercheap Auto’s Supercars wildcard program will turn five in 2025.
The company used its 2024 wildcard livery launch in Melbourne to announce that it will continue to back a third Triple Eight-run entry at the Supercars enduros into 2025.
“We’re also very proud to extend our wildcard team partnership with Triple Eight and Craig Lowndes into 2025, which will mark five years of the successful program,” Benjamin Ward, Supercheap Auto managing director, said.
The program started back in 2021 in the wake of Repco taking over title sponsorship of the Bathurst 1000, ending Supercheap Auto’s 16-year run as naming-rights partner.
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On that occasion it was then-rookie Broc Feeney, still a few months from slipping into the retiring Jamie Whincup’s full-time seat, serving as the young gun alongside 2005 series champion and two-time Bathurst-winner Russell Ingall.
Lowndes stepped into the ‘mentor’ role alongside Declan Fraser and Zane Goddard across the past two seasons and Cooper Murray this year.
He will also continue with the program into 2025, having signed a new two-year co-driver deal with Triple Eight last August that will see him on the grid at Mount Panorama at age 51 for his 32nd ‘Great Race’ campaign.
“I’m also thrilled to announce that I have signed on to continue with the program for the 2025 enduro season,” Lowndes said.
“Since we started, it has gone from strength to strength and I’m looking forward to continuing that.
“Taking the ‘Mentor’ role and teaming up with up-and-coming talent in our sport is something that I really enjoy.
“I want to thank both Triple Eight and Supercheap Auto for their support.”
