Photos + Video: Team Vodafone launch Brock inspired retro livery for Bathurst 1000
Memories of Bathurst’s golden era were stirred when Team Vodafone and Craig Lowndes uncovered its retro livery, celebrating the undisputed King of the Mountain, Peter Brock.
Below is the official blurb from Team Vodafone:
Vodafone went to great lengths to mark the momentous occasion, delivering the racecar via helicopter drop onto Brock’s Skyline.
Five-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes, the pilot of car #888, joined Bev Brock, Peter’s wife, to reveal a look that is synonymous with success at Mt Panorama – a tribute reflective of the bold black, white and red livery campaigned by the Holden Dealer Team cars during one of their most dominant periods, 1978-1984.
2012 marks 25 years since Brock’s last win at Bathurst, and 40 years since his first.
For Lowndes, the opportunity to race with such a historically-significant livery was a special one.
“I’m excited because obviously I grew up watching Brock drive and this was one of my favourite car designs – to have it recreated on my own car is a huge honour,” said Lowndes.
“Driving the car back down the Mountain alongside Bev today was a very emotional moment and stirred memories of 2006, in particular.
“This event marking the 50th Year Anniversary of Bathurst is a big milestone for the category and it is fantastic to be part of the many celebrations.
“I’m feeling good and quite confident Luffy and I can put together a great combination to win Bathurst.
“We both understand how big this event is and how globally recognised it is so we want to give fans all around the world something to cheer about.”
Bev Brock added a glowing appraisal of Lowndes, and felt that the fans would be in strong support of the one-off livery paying tribute to her late husband.
“I’m sure that Peter would be so honoured to see this memory in Craig’s very capable hands, I strongly share that point of view,” Brock said.
“There is no one else who has taken up the mantle like Craig has, he is exemplary on and off the track and he represents everything Peter stood for. I’m extremely proud of him and proud to be associated with this unveiling.
“I’m quite sure the crowd will be ecstatic whether they are Ford or Holden supporters, Peter held their respect. I’m certain they all will be extremely touched and it will bring back so many amazing memories for them all.”
The panels from the car will be auctioned on TeamVodafone’s eBay page following the race, with all proceeds going to the Estate of Peter G Brock for distribution between Peter’s favourite charities.
Lowndes will share the driving duties with Warren Luff in car the #888 Commodore, with teammate Jamie Whincup to be joined again by Paul Dumbrell in car #1’s regular race livery.
The TeamVodafone endurance lineup scored a 1-3 finish at the Dick Smith Sandown 500 in September, the traditional pre-cursor to the 1000km Mt Panorama marathon.
Five time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes and Triple 8 is paying homage to Peter Brock, with a special retrospective livery made famous by Peter Brock to celebrate 50 years of the Bathurst race.
Lowndes shared a special connection to the late Peter Brock, who was both a mentor and a mate to “The Kid” who has gone on to become one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Images: AutoAction & Speedcafe
