Jim Beam Racing News
Dick Johnson on Bathurst 1000 and the future of DJR
06 October 2008
As we now begin the long lead-up to Bathurst, I just wanted to take time and give you my thoughts on where DJR is headed in the future and at the same time bury some rather surprising rumours.
Since early this year when Charlie and I put together our deal, we have been working hard as usual behind the scenes with our sponsor group and team. The team is moving ahead very well and we have some big plans for 2009 including new FG Falcons and a very strong engine program. There are also some good results to come this year.
After a tough couple of years I sort of took a little less of the spotlight this season, particularly after the Ford sponsorship announcement in July. Recently, many of our fans and the media have asked ‘why?’ Well, since our podium finish at Phillip Island, DJR seems to be in the news more than ever. I’m not sure if this is for all the right reasons, but after having been involved in this caper for over 44 years, I am used to seeing stories created from little substance.
In this sort of business, you quickly realise not to believe everything that you read and recent media focus on DJR supports this.
Firstly, I still own 50% of Dick Johnson Racing and have no intention of becoming a minority shareholder.
The question of drivers for 2009 is one the team is working on and all options are being considered. We have two excellent drivers in Steven and Will, and no decisions will be taken lightly by me or anyone else at DJR.
Whilst I have naturally had a huge interest in Steven’s career, we have stuck by each other through good and bad times. Recent reports of a rift in our family are way off the mark. Steven and I have always been very close and we both want the best for his long term V8 Supercar future and the long term future of the team. It only makes the Johnson family more determined to succeed.
I am annoyed that certain media outlets have been trying to suggest that he is fed up with the team. He, like the rest of the team, gives 100%.
So despite all these distractions, we head to Bathurst with a good package, a great bunch of guys and drivers capable of a great result. It’s a cruel old place though and I gave up on predictions many years ago. Ask me around 5:00pm next Sunday. Just bring it on!
See you on the mountain.
Dick Johnson
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