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Stevie J behind the wheel

07 May 2014
Seat time important for Johnson with enduros looming.
2 mins by James Pavey
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Steve Johnson will finally get the chance to jump behind the wheel of V8 race cars over the next few weeks.

The fan favourite will switch manufacturers – and categories – for now, to contest one day of the highly regarded 2014 Targa Tasmania rally aboard the Team Yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

He will then follow up with a spin in the V8 Supercar at a ride day at Barbagallo Raceway, after the May 16-18 Perth 400 event.

Set to co-drive in the Pirtek Enduro Cup with David Wall this season, any time spent on-track is valuable for the former full-time driver.

“I’m really excited about getting back into the number 17 Wilson Security DJR car on Monday (May 19),” Johnson said.

“It may seem strange but it’s something I’ve been counting down the days for because it has been a long time since I’ve done miles in one of our family’s cars.”

However, it will be a different #17 for Johnson, with a new chassis having been prepared for Perth after Wall’s huge crash in New Zealand.

The team is working long hours to ensure the Falcon will be ready to leave for the west. The transmission went in yesterday, with the engine set to go in this afternoon. While the team will not conduct a shakedown prior to the Perth event, it will look at running #17 on its new Dyno Dymanics chassis dyno for a full systems check before the car goes into the truck on Friday.

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Meanwhile, Johnson is keen to contest the highly competitive Targa Tasmania, at the invitation of long-time competitor Neill Ford.

Ford is unable to pilot the car on the Tuesday of the event, so he has called on Johnson to step in and ensure it performs through the North East Tasmania stages.

Johnson and his father Dick are no strangers to Targa Tasmania.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in a competitive car,” he said. “Whilst it’s not a Ford product, which isn’t ideal, it’s still an opportunity to get behind the wheel and freshen up my racecraft.

“Neill has been a family friend for a long time, as well as a supporter of the team through the Cabcharge brand, and Dad and I take any opportunity that we can to spend some time with him and share his passion for cars and racing.

“Targa is a fantastic event. I’ve had the opportunity to race there twice before and while one day will probably only tease me, it’s a great opportunity to be involved.”

With no time for pre-event testing Johnson said, “My test of the car will be between parc ferme and the start line."

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