How 'passionate' Story's return aided Shell V-Power resurgence

It was a successful return to the paddock for Shell V-Power Racing Team boss Ryan Story, with his Ford team returning to the winners’ circle at the OTR SuperSprint.

On Sunday, Anton De Pasquale led Will Davison in an historic one-two finish for the team, with the Stapylton squad securing Ford’s 400th championship race win.

It marked De Pasquale’s first win for the team in just his 11th start in Shell colours, with Davison recording his fifth podium of 2021 in the following race.

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It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the team, with De Pasquale forced to retire from the lead in Race 11 due to an engine misfire.

Despite De Pasquale’s weekend finale misfortune, the weekend marked the best return for the Dick Johnson Racing outfit this season, both drivers helping the team retain second in the teams’ standings.

It came on a weekend their leader returned to the headphones, Story making his first appearance at a Supercars event since last February’s Adelaide season-opener.

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With his team hitting its straps after a topsy turvy start to 2021, Story was visibly excited to be back on the frontlines.

“It’s fantastic to be here,” Story said.

“I’m absolutely loving it, the performances of both our guys has really put a spring in everyone’s step here.

“We have been building up slowly since the start of the year and being competitive, getting podiums, and its quite fitting we have been having the performances we have been having.

“Now we need to execute.”

The team is beginning to reap the rewards of bringing in an all-new driver line-up in 2021 following the exits of champion Scott McLaughlin, Fabian Coulthard and Team Penske.

The Tailem Bend breakthroughs were followed by a strong weekend in Tasmania, with both drivers clinching two podiums.

Returning to his native South Australia, Story’s presence in the DJR garage was quickly felt by the team.

“It’s really cool to have him here," Davison said after Race 11.

“He decided to stroll back in today and sort the one-two strategy out.

“Ryan’s a great character and he’s very, very passionate about the team, it’s really cool that he was here today for that result.”

Davison now sits fourth in the championship and is only five points adrift of third-placed Chaz Mostert.

De Pasquale is 231 points behind his teammate and is seventh in the championship.

The Repco Supercars Championship field will return to Victoria for the Winton SuperSprint across May 29-30. Tickets are available here.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo with highlights on 7 and 7 Plus.