SUPERCARS: Lowndes to run retro livery at Sandown

Craig Lowndes will run a 1990s throwback livery on his No.888 Holden for next weekend's Sandown 500 as part of the event's 'Retro Round' theme.

The six-time Bathurst 1000 winner will share his car with Steve Richards - himself a multiple Bathurst winner - for the event. The pair combined to win the famed event last year.

"It's great to be sporting a new livery ahead of the retro round at Sandown Raceway," said Lowndes.

"This year is the 47th time Sandown Raceway has hosted a touring car or Supercars event, which is more than any other venue and, from what I hear, it seems that everyone is really getting into the spirit of it and it is a great way to celebrate the raceway and its heritage.

"I'm really looking forward to Richo [Steven Richards] getting back into the car and seeing what we can do at the enduros this year. Our Bathurst win last year definitely gives us a bit of confidence, but you never know what's going to happen in these long races."

Richards is excited to be back for the 2016 season.

"Craig is on fire at the moment, so naturally I'm eager to slide into the co-driver's seat and do my bit for the endurance season," he said.

The Sandown 500 is the first of three events in the endurance season and the retro round will kick off the two-month-long mini-championship.

"This is what differentiates us from every other motor racing championship in the world – the fact that we have a season full of format variety, including the season of endurance," said team owner Roland Dane.