Aussie Motor Racing Driver Craig Lowndes has been hailed as the 'Prince of Panorama' after winning the Bathurst 1000 for the second year in a row. He spoke to SkillsOne before the big race, about his training as a mechanic, his passion and his advice for achieving success.

In a spectacular, nail-biting finish, Craig Lowndes and his partner Jamie Whinchup took victory for Team Vodafone Ford fending off a tight pack of other V8 drivers, including race leader Mark Winterbottom.

"There is no other race in the world which comes close to the feeling you experience when standing on the podium at Bathurst," Lowndes said whilst holding the Peter Brock Memorial Trophy for the second successive year.

The champion driver is actually a qualified mechanic and grew up racing Go-Karts before making the natural progression into motor racing after school.

"I was always mechanically-minded, had a love of mechanics, and enjoyed being outdoors and creating things," Lowndes told SkillsOne.

"My Dad is a mechanic by trade and he insisted I do an apprenticeship so I would always have that to fall back on."

Lowndes completed a four-year-apprenticeship that enabled him to race with Formula Ford and gain motoring skills at the same time.

He quickly progressed to Formula Holden and made a brilliant debut in the Australian Touring Car Champsionship at just 22-years-old.

He says it is important to have role models while you are starting out in your chosen career.

"My two biggest influences on who I am today and what I have done in my past are my Dad and Peter Brock."

"My father is a perfectionist, and I have learnt a great deal from him."

"It was the same with Peter when I got into racing. You need someone to look up to, and Peter helped me develop not just my driving skills but he guided me in all aspects of motor racing."

Along with expert guidance, Lowndes had the natural talent, confidence in his ability and the desire to compete at the highest level, which quickly propelled to the top of his game. The tenacious Lowndes is now a household name with his popularity transcending the sport of motor racing.

"I'm living my ultimate dream," he says. "But if I hadn't succeeded in racing then I would happily be a mechanic."

"No matter what career path you choose you need to have passion," he explained.

"You need the passion and an interest in what you do or you will not be able to give it 110 per cent."

Words of wisdom from a true champion.