» V8s: Lowndes remains on board

Fresh from Holden’s announcement that it would remain with Triple 8 Engineering as part of a “multi-year” partnership, the Vodafone-sponsored outfit has confirmed it has agreed to a three-year contract extension with Craig Lowndes.

Far from there being any prospects of him retiring anytime soon, Lowndes will remain with the team until at least the end of the 2015 season, by which point he will be 41 years old.

One of the series’ highest-profile and most successful drivers, Lowndes has amassed 82 race wins and three championship titles, Last year, he was pipped to the post by team-mate Jamie Whincup in an utterly dominant season for the team.

And on the eve of the season-opening Clipsal 500, Triple 8 team boss Roland Dane announced that Lowndes would be remaining on board.

“He has agreed to stay here,” a thrilled Dane told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.

“”And we couldn’t be any happier about it. I think it is great for the team, for Craig and the sport. It will be for a few more years to come.”

Dane also shrugged off suggestions that Lowndes’ performances would suffer as he approached his 40s.

“Craig has plenty left [in the tank],” Dane added. “Last year was really good for him and I think it has given him the motivation and belief that he can keep on going at the top for a long time.

“His motivation is at a high and I think he is out to win races again. He is as physically fit as I have seen him and I think he is enjoying going racing.

“I think he can be successful for a long time and there are plenty around the world doing it in their 40s. Craig has that left in him and more.”

But the team is still yet to agree to terms with Lowndes’ team-mate and reigning champion, Whincup, who has previously declared his desire to prove himself on the world stage in an international touring car championship.

“We are talking with him and have had productive discussions,” Dane said. “I’m very confident we will keep him.”