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History could be made at Barbagallo Raceway

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

The racing veteran is just two victories away from claiming the record for the most wins at a single track, held by five-time V8 champion Mark Skaife, who recorded 15 triumphs at the now-defunct Oran Park in Sydney over his 20-year career.

Victorian-born Lowndes, who is second on the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship table, achieved his 14th win in Perth last year, just his second at Barbagallo since 2000.

Incredibly, the 39-year-old Holden driver did not lose at the three-race WA event from 1996 to 2000, securing 12 wins from clean sweeps in ’96, ’98, ’99 and ’00.

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He competed in Europe in 1997.

If he’s successful this weekend, it will be the second year running he’s broken a championship record in Perth.

Lowndes recorded his 91st career win in the opener at Barbagallo Raceway last year to give him more career race wins than any other driver in the sport’s history.

WA Sporting Car Club general manager John Clark, who knows Lowndes well, was looking forward to a possible record-breaking effort from the three-time series champion.

‘It would be very exciting if he could do it; I’ll be the first one up there to shake his hand,’ he said.

‘He really enjoys the elevation change at this track and he knows how to get the best out of his car to suit the layout.’

Lowndes has been a popular figure in WA since claiming his maiden top-of-the-podium finish at the Neerabup track 18 years ago.

Mr Clark said the Medal of the Order of Australia recipient had endeared himself to the WA public.

‘He’s so approachable and always willing to have a chat with people and make himself available,’ he said.

Organisers are expecting about 50,000 racing fans for the 2014 meet, with an extra $500,000 of upgrades completed since the 2013 event.

A new spectator shelter, which Mr Clark said could house about 400 people, has been built along the front edge of the administration block.

Fans will also be keen to check out how the Volvo drivers fare on their first visit to the track.

‘The racing’s extremely close and there’s been a lot of interest, which is contributing to ticket sales,’ Mr Clark said.