Johnson to sit out Townsville Super2 round
Jett Johnson steps aside for Townsville
Teenager to focus on health, committed to motorsport
Johnson made Super2 debut this year
Jett Johnson has announced he will not compete in the upcoming round of the Dunlop Series at Townsville.
The third-generation racer, who debuted in Super2 this year, will step aside for the July 5-7 round to focus on his mental health. AIM has since confirmed Dean Fiore will race for the team in Townsville.
Johnson, 19, is 14th in the Super2 standings after the first two rounds, and despite stepping aside for Townsville, he remains committed to his rising motorsport career.
Before pursing the Dunlop Series, Johnson won the 2022 TA2 Muscle Car Series title, a year after winning the TA2 Muscle Car Northern Series.
"I've made the tough decision to step away from the Dunlop Super2 Series for Townsville and the near future," the teenager said.
"I've been dealing with mental health symptoms for quite a few years, and I have mainly tried to put on a brave face, but I’m at the point where I can’t keep trying to hide behind a smile anymore.
"The stress that I put on myself – on and off the track – has got the better of me at the moment. Some days I'm not too bad, others I may as well be carrying a backpack full of bricks around.
"Because of this, we have decided that the best course of action is to step back from the pressures of Super2 to hopefully aid in a faster recovery.
"I can't thank the team, my family and close supporters and sponsors enough while I've made this call. They have all been amazingly supportive."
Johnson, son of Steven and grandson of Supercars Hall of Famer Dick, hailed the support of Dick Johnson Racing CEO David Noble, Team Principal Ryan Story, his family, and health professionals for their support.
"It's super tough, especially when the sport you love most, almost feels like a chore due to the stress and anxiety that comes from me wanting to represent and be the best for everybody. But I can't be the best on track if I'm battling and can't focus off track," Johnson added.
"I've been working with professionals, including David Noble, Dr Ryan Story, my personal GP and my family to try and get myself the best help I can.
"The biggest thing for me now is to just relax, get the help I need and make sure that I'm looking after myself.
"I don't want this to be a total step back from racing, or a permanent step back from Supercars. Yes, I'm temporarily stepping back from Super2, but I still want to race. For now, though, I'm putting my mental health first."
Dunlop Series action will commence in Townsville on Friday July 5.
