Craig Lowndes will switch to a new look entry in 2016 with Caltex Australia taking over primary sponsorship of the #888 Holden, under the banner of TeamVortex.
Caltex Australia is stepping up its existing partnership with Triple Eight Race Engineering and Craig Lowndes taking up the role of title sponsor with an initial commitment of two seasons.
TeamVortex will become the third car in Triple Eight’s stable following the team’s announcement that it would be expanding its roster in 2016 with the signing of Shane van Gisbergen. Van Gisbergen will join Jamie Whincup under the existing Red Bull Racing Australia banner.
“I’m really excited to have TeamVortex created around me and thrilled to have the continued support of Australia’s leading fuel supplier, Caltex, over the next two seasons,” Lowndes said.
Caltex’s Executive General Manager Commercial, Bruce Rosengarten, said the Australian fuel brand was proud to reinforce its commitment to Australian motorsport while continuing to partner with Lowndes, arguably the biggest name in the sport.
“Caltex has been by Craig’s side for almost ten years of his racing career,” said Rosengarten.
“As a legend in the sport, and indeed Australian sporting history, we couldn’t be more excited to power him as he takes the wheel of TeamVortex.”
Triple Eight Race Engineering Team Owner Roland Dane said he was excited at the opportunity to further grow the team.
“We’re extremely pleased to have Caltex step up for 2016 and beyond with the creation of TeamVortex,” said Dane.
“This gives us a brilliant opportunity to give Craig a platform to continue to rack up race wins including, hopefully, a few more Bathursts!
“Furthermore, it allows us to build our engineering expertise here for the betterment of the entire Triple Eight organisation. This is also a great testament to the category as a whole with an organisation of the stature of Caltex choosing to increase its involvement and visibility at this time.”
Red Bull Racing Australia’s existing Caltex partnership remains unchanged with the fuel supplier remaining as a secondary sponsor on Triple Eight Red Bull Commodores.
