Triple Eight Race Engineering has announced the return of their flagship number, #888, for full-time competition in 2026, marking its first continuous appearance since Craig Lowndes retired from full-time racing at the end of 2018. This move accompanies Lowndes’ departure from the team after 21 years, coinciding with the Supercheap Auto wildcard program shifting to Team 18 as Triple Eight transitions to Ford Mustangs.
The Historical Significance of #888
The #888 was originally assigned to Lowndes upon joining Triple Eight in 2005 and became synonymous with his triumphs, including six of his seven Bathurst 1000 victories. Since his full-time retirement, #888 has been reserved for special appearances, mostly during his co-driving and wildcard entries, underscoring its status as a number of prestige within the sport.
Will Brown Embraces the Role of Carrying #888 Forward
Will Brown, who competed with #87 during his championship-winning 2024 season, will now take on #888 after relinquishing the defending champion’s #1 plate to Chaz Mostert from Walkinshaw Andretti United. Although #888 is officially the team’s property, Brown sought and received permission from Lowndes to adopt the number moving forward.
This number is iconic to the team. In motor racing and in sports sponsors come and go, liveries change, kits change,
said Lowndes.
But this is Triple Eight Race Engineering, that’s the number and it’s iconic with the success that comes out of this workshop.
?Craig Lowndes, Former Triple Eight Driver
When I first arrived I was lucky enough to carry the number and to see the legacy of the number continue on, it’s an iconic number for the sport, and it’s an iconic number for the team, so it’s going to be really great to see the car running around with that number on the side.
?Craig Lowndes, Former Triple Eight Driver
Lowndes Confident in Brown’s Potential for the Season Ahead
Lowndes also expressed optimism about Brown’s prospects this season, noting his resilience and young talent despite recent challenges against teammate Broc Feeney during 2025.
I know Will pretty well, to have him carry on that legacy, I think that he’ll do it proud,
Lowndes stated.
He’s obviously a great young talent which does sound strange already being a Supercars Champion, he’s a proven young talent.
I think the new change of manufacturer, the new change of car, the new change of number, it’s all a good fit and I think at the start of the season he’ll come out punching.
?Craig Lowndes, Former Triple Eight Driver
Brown’s Enthusiasm for Racing Under #888
Brown shared his excitement about racing with the iconic number throughout the 2026 season.
It’s cool to know I’m going into 2026 with such an iconic number on my car,
he said.
Obviously there’s a lot of history there, I’ve watched the #888 race around for years now ever since I started watching the sport.
For me there wasn’t a question mark. I’ve had two great years already with the team – one awesome year with the championship win and one great year last year fighting all the way to Adelaide, so it meant a lot to me to start the conversation about 2026 and my race number.
?Will Brown, Supercars Driver
Upcoming Launches and Number Announcements
Red Bull Ampol Racing is set to reveal its 2026 livery in Geelong on February 7, ahead of running its new Mustangs at test days scheduled for February 9 and 10. The return of #888 follows a recent number announcement from Dick Johnson Racing, which granted the famous #17 to Brodie Kostecki for the coming season.
