Above: Harrison Exon from Bendigo shows which team has been number one again this season.By Nathan Johnston
ANOTHER massive crowd of more than 30,000 braved cold, wet and windy conditions at the Betta Electrical Sandown 500 and saw Ford driver Craig Lowndes snatch a thrilling win.
V8 fans from around Victoria journeyed to the track to watch Sunday’s epic race and enjoy the weekendlong festivities and entertainment.
City of Greater Dandenong director of corporate services Ross Hepburn said the Sandown 500 was Greater Dandenong’s biggest event in terms of economic spinoffs.
“The Sandown 500 attracts visitors to stay within the municipality. All the hotels and motels are always booked out because it attracts people from outside the area to stay for a couple of days.
“Some of the local restaurants also have their biggest weekends.”
There was not a spare seat in the grand stand along the main straight, while tents and tarps were pitched around the circuit to provide shelter for the diehard fans.
They watched as Lowndes ran down Holden ace Mark Skaife on the third last lap of the 161lap enduro.
On a raindrenched track, with drivers making constant tyre gambles, Lowndes went on to take his third Sandown title after wins in 1996 and 1997.
More details in Star Sport.
