Craig Lowndes splits from wife Nat after 11 years

Craig Lowndes has confirmed that his marriage is over.

The Australian motor racing champion, who is one of the country's top V8 Supercar drivers, has separated from wife Nat after 14 years of marriage.

Lowndes told the Herald Sun that he and Nat will share joint custody of their children Levi and Chilli.

"Our thoughts are with the kids and making this transition as easy as possible for them," the former couple said in a joint statement. "We remain good friends and will continue to share parenting duties."

A number of Australian celebrities have recently announced the end of their marriages. Swimming champion Susie Maroney reportedly split from Darren May earlier this year only 13 months after their wedding. She had previously referred to May as her "soul mate".

Maroney, who is currently pregnant with her second child with May, is believed to now be living with her mother Pauline in a Cronulla apartment after moving out of their shared Woronora Heights home.

Australian movie actress Melissa George has also recently split from husband Claudio Dabed after 11 years together. She has since been spotted with hip-hop star Russell Simmons.