Dick Johnson Racing
A Legacy Forged in Speed: The Unrivaled Chronicle of Australian Motorsport's Most Iconic Team.
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A Motorsport Dynasty
Enduring Excellence
Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) stands as a titan in Australian motorsport, renowned for its unparalleled success and enduring legacy. Founded by the legendary Dick Johnson, the team has competed in the Supercars Championship for decades, amassing numerous accolades and etching its name into the annals of racing history.
Ford's Flagbearer
For much of its existence, DJR has been synonymous with Ford Australia, campaigning iconic models from the Blue Oval. From the Group C era to the modern Mustang, the team has consistently represented Ford with distinction, fostering a deep connection with fans and the manufacturer alike.
Championship Pedigree
With ten drivers' championships and three teams' championships, DJR boasts a remarkable record of success. Its drivers have achieved countless race wins, pole positions, and iconic victories, most notably at the prestigious Bathurst 1000, solidifying its status as a benchmark for excellence in Australian touring car racing.
The Chronicle of Speed
Origins and Group C
Founded in 1980 by Dick Johnson, the team emerged from humble beginnings. After a dramatic incident involving a rock at Bathurst in 1980, public support and Ford Australia's backing allowed Johnson to establish his own team. The early years saw the team compete with Ford Falcons, quickly becoming a formidable force in the Group C touring car regulations.
The Mustang and Sierra Eras
The transition to international Group A regulations in 1985 led DJR to acquire Zakspeed-built Ford Mustangs. While reliability was a challenge, the team achieved runner-up in the 1985 ATCC. The subsequent switch to the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth in 1987 marked a period of significant development and success, with the team overcoming early reliability issues to become a dominant force, securing multiple championships.
Falcon Dominance
The 1990s saw DJR embrace the Ford Falcon platform, with the EB and subsequent models becoming synonymous with the team's success. This era included John Bowe's championship wins in 1995 and a period of strong performance, culminating in victories at Sandown and Bathurst in 1994. The team continued to be a front-runner through the V8 Supercar era.
DJR Team Penske Partnership
In 2014, a significant chapter began with Roger Penske's investment, forming DJR Team Penske. This collaboration brought world-class engineering and resources, leading to a resurgence in performance. Scott McLaughlin, under this banner, secured three consecutive Supercars drivers' championships (2018-2020) and a Bathurst 1000 win in 2019, marking one of the team's most dominant periods.
Return to Roots and Modern Era
Following Penske's divestment in 2020, the team returned to its iconic name, Dick Johnson Racing, now branded as the Shell V-Power Racing Team. With continued success and a strong driver lineup, DJR remains a leading contender in the Supercars Championship, upholding its rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of performance.
Iconic Machines
Ford XE Falcon
The Ford XE Falcon, particularly the Tru-Blu sponsored #17 car, became an icon of the early 1980s. It was instrumental in Dick Johnson's championship wins and his first Bathurst victory in 1981, symbolizing resilience and the team's rise to prominence.
Ford Sierra RS500
The turbocharged Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was a dominant force in the Group A era. DJR's Sierras, known for their speed and the team's innovative use of EPROM chips and upgraded drivetrains, secured championships and proved to be the fastest in the world during their tenure.
Ford EB/EL Falcon
The V8-powered Ford Falcons of the 1990s, including the EB and EL models, carried DJR to significant victories, including the 1994 Sandown and Bathurst endurance races. John Bowe's 1995 championship further cemented the Falcon's place in the team's history.
Ford Mustang GT
The introduction of the Ford Mustang GT for the Gen2 Supercars era, particularly under the DJR Team Penske banner, heralded a new era of success. Scott McLaughlin's championship-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020 were achieved in these powerful machines, showcasing cutting-edge performance.
Legends Behind the Wheel
Dick Johnson
The heart and soul of the team. A five-time ATCC champion and three-time Bathurst 1000 winner, Johnson's driving prowess, charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit built DJR into a motorsport institution.
John Bowe
A highly successful driver for DJR, Bowe secured two ATCC championships (1995, 2001) and multiple Bathurst podiums with the team. His consistent performance and skill were vital to DJR's success through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Scott McLaughlin
The dominant force of the late 2010s. McLaughlin, driving for DJR Team Penske, achieved three consecutive Supercars drivers' championships (2018-2020) and the 2019 Bathurst 1000, showcasing exceptional speed and consistency.
Will Davison
A multiple-race winner and championship contender, Will Davison has had multiple stints with DJR, most recently as a key driver for the Shell V-Power Racing Team, contributing significantly to the team's modern-day success.
Championship Pedigree
Championship Summary
Dick Johnson Racing's trophy cabinet is filled with prestigious titles, reflecting its consistent excellence across different eras of Australian touring car racing. The team's championship achievements underscore its status as a premier force in the sport.
- Drivers' Championships: 10
- Teams' Championships: 3
- Bathurst 1000 Wins: 4
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References
References
- Mark Oastler, XD Falcon, The Weighting Game, Australian Muscle Car, Issue 50, July/August 2010, page 54
- Bathurst 1980 รขยย 'The Rock'.
- When Dick Hit The Rock
- When Dick Hit The Trees
- Dick Johnson & the Ford Sierra RS 500 Cosworth
- 1988 FINA RAC Tourist Trophy
- 1988 ETCC Silverstone รขยย RAC TT
- Dick Johnson 1992 Tooheys Top 10 Pole winning lap
- Team Penske will not return to Supercars in 2021 Team Penske 23 October 2020
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Important Notice
Disclaimer
This content has been generated by an AI based on publicly available information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information provided is not a substitute for professional motorsport analysis, historical research, or official team documentation.
This is not professional advice. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult official sources and experts for definitive information.