Lownds Win Barry Sheene Medal

[THE BRAT]

Lowndes wins major V8 award

Monday Dec 11 20:50 AEDT

Craig Lowndes lost the series title but won the prestigious Barry Sheene Medal for a second successive year at the V8 Supercar awards dinner at Crown Casino.

Ford driver Lowndes was runner-up to Holden's Rick Kelly in a dramatic finish to the V8 crown at Phillip Island on Sunday, but beat his young rival to the sport's top award voted by media and commentators.

Lowndes and Kelly staged a dogged duel for the series crown, the race ending in controversy when Kelly bumped Lowndes off the track in the final race ending his title hopes.

After a four-hour protest hearing, race stewards dismissed the Ford complaint that Kelly's pit lane penalty was too lenient.

Lowndes accepted the judges' decision and ruled out taking the matter to an appeals board or to the sport's world governing body FIA.

The Barry Sheene Medal is awarded to the driver who shows outstanding leadership, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship throughout the season - qualities Lowndes has portrayed better than ever in the past 24 hours.

V8 Supercars Australia chairman Tony Cochrane congratulated Lowndes on his great achievements across the year.

"Craig more than fits the bill for this award named after one of Australia's greatest motorsport identities," Cochrane said.

"Craig, like the late Peter Brock who was also a personal mentor of his, is a people's driver.

"He personifies all what this sport is about - giving back to the fans and the people."

Lowndes and teammate Jamie Whincup were also honoured for their Bathurst 1000 victory.

[Kimberley Scott]

You have to admire Craig Lowndes, for his abilty to keep getting up and smiling. I have grown to have an absolute respect for the guy.

Scotty

Edited 11/12/06 11:02 AM by Kimberley Scott

[RHR]

Its not quite the championship but no other person comes close to Lowndes

[sinnkexr6t]

Im really happy for him! He deserved it!

[seventytwo]

Definitely a champion in my book

[ZAP]

Well done Craig, you are a true Champion in everyones Eyes.

Little *beep* Kelly could only dream of winning this medal, but he never will.

[phantomchic]

there isn't a person in sports who comes to mind more fitting and deserving

Onya Lowndsie

we sat next to him for brekky last year he is a top "bloke"

shazzy

[wiseguy]

hes an absolute legend,and the real winner in my eyes. I would have smashed kelly after the race. he does well to control his anger.

avesco should also have got an award for winning the championship back for kelly and Expensive Daewoo well done you pack of f*cke rs.

wont be watching this crap next year youve lost me and my family.

will follow ambrose instead.

1. lowndes gets penalised twice at indy(how conveniant)

2. r kelly gets no penalty at tassie for having car completely on otherside of pit exit(avesco blinkers on)

3. r kelly didnt have pace on lowndes all weekend so he punts him off end of story.

4. 1 race win and win championship is a complete joke, I wasnt happy that ingall won last year either but atleast he won a round.

well done lowndesy you are the champ for a million reasons.

avesco and kelly you both suck and goodbye!!!!!!!!!

[GOLDIE]

The real champion at least got something out of the year.

Ian

[tab]

's

The guy is an absolute champ - think I've only ever seen him once without a smile on his face