TeamVodafone’s Craig Lowndes is aiming to complete a ‘Top End Trifecta’ as he shoots for his third consecutive round win at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway next weekend.

The 2.9km circuit is a happy hunting ground for the multiple series champion, who celebrated his 34th birthday last week.

He was a clear round winner in 2007, recording a third place followed by two race wins. 2006 kickstarted his stellar run of results in the Northern Territory, with a fourth, third and first placings across the races ensuring the top step of the podium was all his.

Lowndes said he was looking forward to the Hidden Valley event but was wary that the introduction of a new control tyre by V8 Supercars could change car setups considerably.

“This is one of my favourite events, it has a fantastic relaxed atmosphere and I have had a pretty good strike rate the past couple of years,” said Lowndes.

“I will definitely be out to try and make it three round wins in three years but we will have a new challenge this year with the introduction of the new tyre compound.”

“This could change the characteristics of the car setup considerably – the key to success will be to get on top of this as quick as possible.”

“It is also one of the hottest events on the calendar so the team will be doing their best to keep us cool,” Lowndes continued.

Lowndes’ teammate and winner of the previous round at Sandown International Raceway, Jamie Whincup echoed his thoughts about the impact of a new control tyre, introduced by the category to reduce environmental impact.

“I believe that we’re all in for a big change with the new tyre and the driver/engineer combination that gets a handle on it the quickest will be rewarded in the short term,” said Whincup.

“The team has won here the past two seasons, and we won the previous round, so we are in a good position heading into this round.”

“I love the warm conditions and the atmosphere that Darwin offers. The people really embrace the race and everyone is there to have a good time,” he said.

Whincup is currently third in the chase for the 2008 title, with Lowndes close behind in fifth.

Round six of the series carries its regular sprint format, with drivers to contest 3 x 42 lap races across the course of the weekend.