The Kid quits! Lowndes walks out of HRT
3/11/2000 20:16 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - Craig Lowndes will walk away from the team that made him a household name next month after today announcing his intentions to quit the Holden Racing Team.
On the move - Lowndes will not be with HRT in 2001
Pic: Michael Shaw
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Lowndes ended months of speculation in regards to his tenure at HRT by confirming he would quit the Melbourne-based V8 Supercar powerhouse at season’s end.
While refusing to comment on where his future lies beyond 2000, Lowndes today revealed it would not be as part of the Factory Holden outfit.
“We’ve got different goals now, so we made a decision that’s right for us,” Lowndes told Channel Ten News today.
Lowndes denied reports of a developing rift between himself and the team, citing marketing and management issues as reasons for ending his six-year relationship with the Factory-backed Holden franchise.
“We’ve really got on well with all the guys, all the CEOs, and Jeff and John Crennen,” Lowndes stated.
“We’ve had great success, they’ve given me the opportunity to become what I am, and I’ll never forget that,” he said.
The Holden Racing Team has today refused to comment on the loss.
It is believed Lowndes is seeking a drive in the rival Ford camp next season. Dick Johnson Racing, Stone Brothers Racing and Ford-Tickford Racing are among a number of options Lowndes is considering, which also include drives with other Holden teams, and Sportscar options overseas.
The three-time Championship winner will race for HRT for the final time at next month’s FAI 1000 with team-mate Mark Skaife.
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