Motor racing superstar Craig Lowndes was today recognised for his achievements on and off the track, in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Craig has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia' (OAM) in the General Division for his success as a sportsman and his contribution to both the broader Australian community and his chosen profession.
The OAM citation reads: "For service to motor racing and to the community, particularly through road safety education programs and charitable organisations."
Craig Lowndes is a five-time winner of the annual Bathurst 1000 motor race, a three-time Australian V8 Supercar Champion, as well as being Australia's most popular and recognised professional racing driver.
Away from his TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, Craig has been an Ambassador for the RSPCA for almost 10 years, is an Official Ambassador for Violence Against Women' and the V8 Supersafe kids' road safety program', and contributes regularly to road safety awareness across the country.
"What can you say? This is a totally unexpected and tremendous honour it's not something you ever think about. I am very flattered and slightly humbled by this, I certainly didn't see it coming," Craig Lowndes said.
"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.
"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," Craig Lowndes said.
Craig Lowndes
38 years old
Lives in Wamuran, Queensland
Two children, Levi & Chilli
Bathurst Champion: 1996, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010
Australian V8 Supercar Champion: 1996, 1998, 1999
Championship race wins: 82
