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 Ford V8 Supercar star Craig Lowndes says changes to the 2008 V8 Supercar Championship Series calendar, announced by series officials earlier today, are the biggest in his V8 career.
Running from late February until early December, the 14-round, 15-event calendar sees the New Zealand event relocated to Hamilton and also features the return of a non-championship event at the Australian Grand Prix.
"The changes to next year's calendar are massive," Lowndes said.
"It's almost a brand-new calendar, especially after a few years of stability; it's the biggest change to the calendar since I've been in the series.
"With 14 rounds and the non-championship AGP event, it's the most racing we've ever had in one year which is fantastic for the fans and all the drivers."
Among the schedule shuffles, Eastern Creek's round moves from June to March, Winton moves from May to August, and Oran Park will host the season finale in December - the final V8 Supercar race at the Sydney circuit.
"I'll be packing all the warm clothing I can find for Winton in August," Lowndes quipped.
"At the other end of the spectrum, the Clipsal 500 in February and Oran Park in December are likely to be very hot and physically demanding.
"Oran Park has been such a great circuit for the series for almost 40 years, and is a popular one among the drivers and fans; hopefully we can all give it a fitting send-
off."
The calendar includes a six-week gap between rounds in August and September around the Beijing Olympic Games, also broadcast on Channel 7.
Despite the lack of racing in this period, Lowndes feels the break presents the series and its teams with a number of opportunities.
"Having a six-week gap between rounds for the Olympics isn't ideal, but hopefully it gives the crews, who work tirelessly on the cars, a chance to have a break," he said.
"I personally think the break would also be a great opportunity for teams to put on open days and other events where fans can go and get their V8 fix."
The other major change involves a shift for the Melbourne circuits.
This year's season finale, Phillip Island will instead host the 500km pre-Bathurst endurance race in September, while Sandown's event becomes a sprint round on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June.
"I'll miss the Sandown 500, the race was always a great test and personally I've enjoyed success there over the years with four wins," Lowndes, who won the 2007 event with Jamie Whincup last month, reflected.
"500 kilometres at Phillip Island will be a huge test for all of the teams and drivers.
"It'll require massive amounts of concentration for the drivers, tyre wear is high at Phillip Island and the race will put a lot of strain on the cars - it'll be the perfect preparation for Bathurst."
2008 V8 Supercar Calendar;
1. Clipsal 500, SA - February 21-24
2. Eastern Creek, NSW - March 7-9
N/C. Australian Grand Prix, Victoria - March 13-16
3. Hamilton, New Zealand - April 18-20
4. Perth, WA - May 9-11
5. Sandown Raceway, Victoria - June 7-9
6. Hidden Valley, NT - July 4-6
7. TBA - July 18-20
8. Winton, Victoria - August 1-3
9. Phillip Island, Victoria - September 12-14
10. Bathurst 1000, NSW - October 9-12
11. Gold Coast, QLD - October 23-26
12. Desert 400, Bahrain - November 6-8
13. Symmons Plains, Tasmania - November 21-23
14. Oran Park, NSW - December 4-7
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