Finke 2024 – Craig Lowndes confirmed as driver of Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer as GMSV and Chevrolet Racing take on Finke. The secret is out – Chevrolet Racing, the motorsport arm of General Motors Australia and New Zealand, is partnering with GMSV and taking on this year’s Tatts Finke Desert Race.
- Three time Supercars Champion, Craig Lowndes, to drive Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer in the Tatts Finke Desert Race. (Production Four Wheel Drive Class)
- The original ‘Off-Road Racer’ concept was brought to life by GM Australia and New Zealand employees. And received further input and enhancement during collaboration with GM Motorsports Division in the USA
- The Off-Road Racer is based on a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and is intended to showcase all-round capability and demonstrate multi-purpose off road prowess
But one final piece of the puzzle has now been confirmed by the team. The new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer will be driven by none other than three time Supercars Champion, Craig Lowndes. Partnering Lowndes will be navigator Dale Moscatt. He is highly experienced in the field of off-road racing, including multiple visits to Dakar and other signature events.
“This is Chevrolet Racing’s first foray into the world of Off-Road Racing and builds on other motorsport categories we compete in, including Supercars and Drag Racing,” said Chris Payne, General Manager Chevrolet Racing Australia and New Zealand.
Finke 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer
“It’s a natural fit for a vehicle such as the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, which is already an accomplished all-terrain performer in its own right, as this provides an opportunity to showcase all-round capability and demonstrate multi-purpose off road prowess.”
The Off-Road Racer concept was built at the company’s Port Melbourne workshop by an enthusiastic group of GM employee volunteers. And was taken to the next level with the involvement of Chevrolet Racing. Competition partner Rampex, will support the race effort at Finke.
Preparations included the exchange of learnings with GM Motorsports Division in the USA and tapping into the knowledge of Hall Racing, especially related to suspension development.
From small beginnings, the project has grown into a fully fledged team which has come together to take on the Tatts Finke Desert Race.
“Extensive testing has proven this off-road racer is no slouch. But at the same time we’re under no illusions that this race is one of the toughest in the world. It’s going to be a real challenge for team and machine,” said Mr Payne.
Craig Lowndes,
Pilot of the Off-Road Racer, Craig Lowndes, is looking forward to swapping his ‘daily driver’ Silverado for something even more exciting.
“I’m thrilled to be taking the Silverado to Finke. It’s been a while since I won the Australian Safari, which was way back in 2010. This is going to be a great test.
“I drive a Silverado ZR2 every day and regularly put it through its paces off-road on weekends, as well as towing our caravan yearly to the Bathurst 1000. It covers impressive distances and handles Australian conditions so easily, now we’re out to prove its off-road capability.”
The Tatts Finke Desert Race is June 7-10, with teams racing from Alice Springs to the settlement of Aputula (Finke) and back.
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer
Racing specifications:
- Full national spec roll cage
- Racetech seats
- Sparco Harnesses
- ZR2 Multimatic DSSV Shock absorbers, re-tuned for off road racing
- Chevrolet Performance heavy duty driveshaft
- AEV Bison underbody protection
- 35 Inch BF Goodrich KM3 tyres
Supporting GM brands:
- GMSV
- ACDelco
- GM Certified Repairer Network
- Chevrolet Performance Parts
- GM Trade Parts
Supporting partners:
- B&A Motor Body Repairs
- Nelsigns
- Kidd Suave
- AEV
- ToolPRO
- The Creative Ones
- BF Goodrich
- Quadlock
- Racer Industries
- Hulk 4X4
- Ignite Lighting