Lowndes Ruled Out of Bathurst 12H Due to Injury

Photo: John Dagys

V8 Supercars star Craig Lowndes has been ruled out of next month’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour after sustaining a broken collarbone in a motorcycle accident last weekend.

The 2014 race winner will undergo surgery to speed up the recovery process, but is not expected to return to the wheel of a race car until late February when V8 pre-season testing begins.

Lowndes was due to share a Melbourne Performance Centre-run, Jamec-Pem Racing Audi R8 LMS with Steven McLaughlin and Garth Tander.

“We’re obviously disappointed that we won’t be able to have Craig’s huge talent and experience in the Jamec-Pem Racing Audi R8 this February, but his recovery is clearly the priority,” Melbourne Performance Centre’s Troy Russell said.

“We’re working on securing a suitable replacement that will ensure that entry remains extremely competitive. The process is already underway and we hope to announce the new driver soon.

“We’re wishing Craig all the best in his recovery.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John