Triple Eight Race Engineering's path to V8 Supercar success

In five short years, Triple Eight Race Engineering has grown from a V8 Supercar series debutant to a category powerhouse. The Australian outfit was established in 2004, with co-owners Roland Dane, Ian Harrison, Peter Butterly and Derek Warwick seeking a greater challenge to accompany their various successes in the British Touring Car Championship.
 
The learning curve, as expected, was steep, but the team forged on, formulating a long-term plan for success in the iconic Australian sport. A significant step in 2005 was the signing of multiple champion Craig Lowndes, who brought winning experience to the dedicated team of engineers and personnel based in the South Brisbane facility.
 
In Lowndes' first year with the team, it claimed more pole positions, race and round victories than any other, finishing a close runner-up in the series title chase. A second key to success was the signing of young gun Jamie Whincup, who had a number of standout performances under his belt in the season prior.
 
Whincup made an instant impact with the team, winning on debut on the streets of Adelaide. Paired with Lowndes, Whincup completed a formidable endurance lineup that would go on to win the world-renowned Bathurst 1000. Lowndes maintained his strong run in the championship, once again finishing runner-up.
 
The team took another step forward in 2007, announcing a three-year multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with leading mobile communications company Vodafone. TeamVodafone went on to win a number of key rounds and added a second Bathurst crown to the mantle. It was also the year that Whincup stood up as a genuine title contender, ultimately losing out by a mere 2 points after a hard-fought season right to the final chequered flag.
 
Keen to build on this momentum, Whincup kicked off 2008 in a dominant fashion, winning his second Clipsal 500 and setting up for his biggest year yet. He overcame a massive hurdle after a zero-points round in New Zealand saw the pack reel him back in. Whincup teamed with Lowndes to win the team's third Bathurst title, a history-making effort for the outfit. He went on to win a total of six rounds, claiming a deserved series title on the way.
 
To cap off a stellar season, TeamVodafone scooped the pool at the V8 Supercar Gala awards, collecting the Teams' and Drivers' championships, Barry Sheene Medal (Jamie Whincup), Pole award (Jamie Whincup) and Best Presented Team.

Triple Eight's sister operation continued to enjoy immense success overseas, winning adding another BTCC title and sending its race win tally into the hundreds.
 
Back home the operation shifted to its new headquarters in Banyo, a custom-built facility designed to not only house the team's V8 Supercars and workshop, but also various customer cars for the 2009 season. Dick Johnson Racing, Paul Cruickshank Racing and Team IntaRacing have all opted for the proven performance of Triple Eight's race package.
 
Whincup and Lowndes are keen to maintain the benchmark this year, racing a pair of brand new Triple Eight Race Engineering designed and built TeamVodafone V8 Supercars.
 
As the team enters its third season with global telecommunications leaders Vodafone, it also continues to enjoy the support of major partners Nokia, Toshiba, Komatsu and Dexion, while welcoming Norton from Symantec and Hog's Breath Café.