Shell Helix on the grid with DJR Team Penske

DJR Team Penske has unveiled a significant sponsorship partnership with Shell Helix for the 2015 V8 Supercars Championship.

The Shell brand, which is licensed exclusively to Viva Energy in Australia, has a rich history with Dick Johnson Racing in Australia and Team Penske in the USA. To highlight this association, the iconic #17 Ford Falcon FG X driven by Marcos Ambrose will roll out onto the track in full Shell Helix livery at the Clipsal 500.

Before a large contingent of media and guests Dick Johnson and Marcos Ambrose took the wraps off the car at the team's headquarters in Queensland.

Dick Johnson spoke with great pride about his 30 year plus association with Shell.

"Over the years we have enjoyed fantastic support and genuine friendship from many people at Shell and we look forward to continuing this relationship with the Shell brand through Viva Energy Australia," Johnson said.

"To see the #17 Ford Falcon in full Shell Helix livery once again is very special. I can assure you it brings back great memories and Marcos is the right guy to carry on this long partnership."

Ambrose added:"It is a great honour to be representing Shell Helix and DJR Team Penske at our first race meeting this year in Adelaide. Dick and Roger both have incredible history with Shell and it is great to see the brand back in force on our Ford Falcon FG X."

The guests at DJR Team Penske were delivered a message via video from Roger Penske, whonoted the significant work undertaken by the DJR Team Penske crew to get the car ready for the season.

"Today we are proud to announce a major partnership with Shell Helix and DJR Team Penske. I know Dick and his team has had a relationship with Shell that dates back some 30 years and is one of the longest sports partnerships in Australia. The Penske organisation also has a long successful history with Shell," said Penske.

"Our alliance with Shell in the USA highlights technology and continues to help further product development for Shell both on and off the track. Through our partnership, we gain valuable knowledge surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies.

"This is a true technology partnership that extends across our Penske organisation, from our trucking and automotive businesses to our racing teams.

"In Australia, the Shell Helix branded Ford Falcon FG X will build on this great association as Marcos Ambrose takes to the track in just a few weeks.

"I look forward to seeing everyone in Adelaide as we welcome Shell Helix as a key partner to DJR Team Penske in 2015."

Speaking at the event Viva Energy Australia Lubricants Marketing Manager Max Lane said: "We are thrilled to be a major partner of DJR Team Penske, particularly in light of the long history Shell has had with Dick Johnson Racing locally and Penske internationally."

The Shell Helix DJR Team Penske Ford Falcon FG X will be in actionnext week at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.