DJR to mark 1000th race with tribute livery
Dick Johnson Racing will celebrate its 1000th race with a tribute livery across both its cars for the Repco Bathurst 1000.
Next month's Great Race, the 30th of season 2022, will be the team's 1000th ATCC/Supercars race.
DJR made its debut in Tasmania in 1981, with Johnson winning on debut.
Johnson founded his eponymous team in 1980, and infamously crashed out while leading that year's Bathurst 1000.
DJR, which runs under the Shell V-Power Racing Team banner, becomes the first to hit 1000 races.
Earlier this year, Walkinshaw Andretti United brought up 900 races, having debuted in 1990.
Brad Jones Racing, which debuted in 2000, celebrated its 700th race at the last round in New Zealand.
Johnson, Shell and the #17 go back a long way Pic: AN1 Images
In four decades, DJR has firmed as one of Australian sport's most recognisable brands.
For much of that time, DJR Fords have carried Shell colours, with the team carrying Shell V-Power naming rights since 2017.
Seldom does the team change its livery, but race No. 1000 - in Bathurst, no less - will be an exception.
The livery will be unveiled on Monday 26 September, 13 days before lights out in the Great Race.
The team has won 147 races, 143 pole positions, 10 drivers' championship and three teams' championships.
The #17 has also been taken to victory lane in Bathurst four times, Johnson himself winning thrice.
Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale currently race for DJR, and are third and fourth respectively heading to Bathurst.
Johnson won Bathurst thrice, his last in 1994 Pic: AN1 Images
Johnson, a Supercars Hall of Famer, was taken aback by the milestone.
"What a ride the last 999 races have been, and I could have never imagined the extent of what DJR has become today," Johnson said.
"To reach 1000 races at the Repco Bathurst 1000 is a pretty cool milestone.
"I am incredibly proud to be the first Supercars team to reach this milestone.
"There’s been a lot of ups and downs during those 999 races, some good some bad and some absolutely fantastic.
"You are only as good as the people you have around you and we have always had really good people around who have been very loyal.
"When you get people who like to come to work every day and want to be here that’s when you find success comes.
'What a ride the last 999 races have been'
"Here’s to 1000 more races."
Ryan Story, DJR Executive Chairman, was proud to go from race fan to part of the team's family.
"It’s no secret that I was a Dick Johnson Racing fan as a kid growing up," Story said.
"To have joined the race team in an official capacity is something I am very proud of.
"Dick Johnson is the most synonymous name with motorsport here in Australia and across the world.
"Everything that the team has achieved is because of the man himself Dick Johnson.
"I am proud to be part of the most iconic race team and I can’t wait to see what the next 1000 races look like."
Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.
