New Liveries and Numbers for DJR Cars

Dick Johnson Racing will pay homage to its history at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, with Chaz Mostert and Dale Wood's FG running a livery identical to 1983's Greens’-Tuf Falcon XE.

Raced by team boss Dick Johnson 30 years ago, the infamous vehicle landed amongst the trees in qualifying and was quickly replaced for Sunday’s race. This year DJR’s star recruits will run a replica paint scheme at Mount Panorama.

As number 17 predominantly featured on the historic Group C Australian Touring Car, Mostert and Wood will borrow it from their teammates for Bathurst.

However, Tim Blanchard and Ash Walsh will not be left out of the action, with the second DJR Falcon to show off key sponsor Advam with a fresh paint scheme. 

This year also marks 40 years since Johnson’s first start at Bathurst and follows on from the tribute Tru-Blu XD Falcon the team ran at the Mountain last year.

Johnson said he was “knocked out” by the impact of last year’s change, despite being one of many teams to emerge with a retro livery.

“It’s obviously just having a bit of a time warp,” Johnson told v8supercars.com.au. of the decision to run the tribute livery, made with the input of sponsor Wilson Security.

“Thirty years ago we came to Bathurst with a green car and it was just an awesome motor car – which you’ll see there again this year, the original car.”

Johnson himself will steer the original XE around Mount Panorama over the event, and a replica will be on display at the team’s merchandise stall.

“It was just a real beast of a car and it’s still one of the fans’ favourite as far as touring cars go, because of the big fat wheels it had and just the way it looked, a real mean looking motor car – and it was a fast car too.

“Of course they’ll always remember in 1983 when during qualifying I ended up in the trees, and that in itself… We’re not going to be doing that again! I sincerely hope not, because I couldn’t afford that!

“But as it turns out a lot of people remember the Greens’-Tuf car for many different things, one for being a real tough car and one obviously going through the trees. And this car particularly also won a Championship in 1984.

“There’s lots of history… It’ll look awesome, absolutely awesome, and the punters will love it.”

Johnson described that weekend back in 1983 as amazing, touched by the generosity and passion of those who helped DJR succeed.

“I hope again I can acknowledge and bring back some good memories for all those passionate fans and supporters.

“Of course none of this is possible without great sponsors to allow the car to be transformed this way – Wilson Security has been behind this project all the way.

“We head to Bathurst with strong cars and a young but very talented driver line up.

“It will be good to see Greens’-Tuf once again at Bathurst.”

Tickets are still available for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 through Ticketek.