Johnson: Retention of family culture 'extremely exciting'
Dick Johnson is excited to see his team’s family values carried on by its new majority shareholders.
Dick Johnson Racing announced Monday that the Ralph family has bought into the team.
The Ralph family will become majority shareholders of DJR from January 2023.
DJR, which runs under the Shell V-Power Racing Team banner, has been family-owned since its debut in 1980.
Supercars Hall of Famer Johnson won five championships and three Bathursts in his own cars.
In over 40 years, DJR has won over 140 races and has claimed 10 drivers’ titles.
Monday’s news not only secures DJR’s future, but keeps it a family-run operation.
Ford legend Johnson said Monday's news was "confidence-instilling".
"Jillie and I are excited to welcome the Ralph family in to Dick Johnson Racing," Johnson said.
"We are immensely proud of the family culture we have created at DJR.
"To be working with a family who have the same values and views is extremely exciting and confidence-instilling."
The Ralph family has an extensive sporting portfolio, which includes champion NRL club Melbourne Storm.
Johnson and Ryan Story will continue to hold a significant share in the business.
They will also maintain their day-to-day positions and will oversee operations.
Family is at the heart of DJR's operations
Story reiterated Johnson’s sentiments, saying the Ralph family’s passion for sport was key to the move.
"Brett and the Ralph family are strategic investors at DJR," Story said.
"The current management structure we have in place continuing to run the business day to day as they have been.
"Brett and the Ralph family are fantastic people, and we couldn’t imagine partnering with anyone else.
"They are extremely experienced business people with a passion for sport that is undeniable.
"From the moment I first spoke with Brett he and I just clicked.
"I knew we would have a fantastic working relationship."
Shell V-Power Racing Team’s 2022 campaign will continue this weekend at Sandown.
