V8SC: Lowndes awarded OAM

Craig Lowndes has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contribution to improving road safety.

Lowndes is famous for his five Bathurst 1000 victories and three V8 Supercar championship crowns, but off the track he dedicates much time to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, among others, to improve driver education and attitudes toward safety.

The 37 year old is also involved with several other charities, including the RSPCA, the Violence Against Women organisation, along with the V8 Supersafe kids road safety program.

“To be honoured by your fellow Australians in this way is pretty special and I appreciate very much everyone’s support both today, and right through my career," Lowndes said.

“Road safety is the number one social issue we deal with every day of our lives, and it’s something we can never stop working to improve."

Lowndes has long been compared with his mentor, the late Peter Brock, who was also known for his charitable contributions and dedication to his fans.

The Queensland driver joins Brock, fellow former teammate Mark Skaife, and motocross ace Chad Reed as other Australian motorsport identities to receive the honour.

Lowndes currently sits fourth in the 2012 V8 Supercar Championship, and will next race at this weekend’s Darwin round.

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