But Whincup can never be discounted, especially in Adelaide - he has qualified on the front row every year since 2006 and has missed out on a top-five finish only once in five years on the demanding circuit.
Despite that outstanding record, Lowndes is keen to take that final step this year and get one over the Victorian.
Lowndes pushed Whincup hard all last season and was within spitting distance of snatching the championship.
It has been 13 years since Lowndes won a V8 series title to add to the three he already has.
He's only finished outside the top five in the championship once since 2003 and is keen to have another tilt at a title.
"It's going to be a great weekend of racing," said Lowndes.
"Last year was a great success in the big scheme of things and I had a great battle [with Whincup] right down to the chequered flag and we only missed out on the championship by 35 points.
"I gave it everything I had and I'm not disappointed. It's given me great motivation leading into this season. It all kicks off here at Clipsal this weekend, which I classify as the hardest race of the season."
Another stalwart of the series, four-time Bathurst winner Kiwi Greg Murphy, still has the fire and desire to grab his first championship having been runner-up twice.
He's in his second season with Kelly Brothers Racing and is looking to build on the progress they made last season.
"We're making headway but still need to improve to keep up with the factory cars," said Murphy.
"The three FPR cars and the other factory cars are going to be good and there's a bunch of others just behind them knocking on the door occasionally like the Stone Brothers.
"The Kellys are also up there. Rick had the best consistency out of all of us last year and he'll be the same this year.
"No one in that second group probably is satisfied with the lack of consistency and will be working hard to get more of it."
Murphy was well off the pace during qualifying, 11 grid places from the shootout, and will start from 21st on the grid, behind veteran Russell Ingall.
At the youth end of the scale, another Kiwi, Shane van Gisbergen, is more than ready to make that last step to regularly take it to the top three drivers.
He finished fourth last year and along the way picked up podiums and race wins and is keen to push the likes of Whincup and Lowndes.
"I'm excited about starting the season. We've had some good test days recently and I can't wait," said Van Gisbergen.
"The atmosphere is really great here [Adelaide] and it's great to start the season here rather than in the Middle East.
"This year everyone is really excited and talking about the race.
"We've done a few tweaks during testing and the car feels really good and let's hope things work out.
"We're really confident and if we put it all together we'll be all right.
"I've never had an overly great result here but we've been reasonably good every time. If things get organised we'll be right there."
Van Gisbergen did make the cut yesterday to qualify for the top 10 shootout, but as the only driver not running fresh tyres, he will run from tenth in the 27-strong field.
Adelaide street circuit
The Adelaide street circuit is one of the most demanding tracks physically on the drivers.
The weather looks as though it will be kind to the drivers with the temperature forecast in the low 20s.
The track is both physically and mentally challenging to say the least and the driver who comes out on top will be the one who manages himself and the car the best.
Adelaide circuit
Length: 3.22km
Description: Most of the circuit is made up from the former Australian Formula One Grand Prix street circuit designed in conjunction with former F1 World Champion, Keke Rosberg. The fast layout leaves no room for error and its concrete barriers have often provided a stark reminder to drivers of just how hard it can bite if mistakes are made.
Track record: 1m 20.95s - Garth Tander, 2010 (qualifying).
