Craig Lowndes is one of the most popular and recognisable figures in Australian sport.

As a three-time Australian Touring Car Champion and four-time winner of the Bathurst 1000, Lowndes is among the most-successful drivers in the history of Australian motorsport.

Having started his career in go-karts at the age of nine, Lowndes rose through the ranks and finished second at Bathurst on debut in 1994. Lowndes won his debut championship season in 1996, completing a famous triple-crown with Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 victories.

Additional championship wins followed in 1998 and 1999, with the popular Lowndes moving to Ford in 2001. Since joining Triple Eight in 2005, Lowndes has regularly been one of the drivers to beat, finishing inside the Top Four in the championship each year.

Consecutive Bathurst 1000 victories in 2006, 2007 and 2008 have further cemented Lowndes’ status as a legend of Australian motorsport.

Third place for Craig to celebrate his birthday...

Another win for TeamVodafone on Saturday in Darwin...