Steve Johnson steps down from driving
Steven Johnson has confirmed he will not drive for his dad's famous team this year, making way to ensure Dick Johnson Racing can be on the grid at this week's Clipsal 500.
Johnson has stepped down from driving to help manage the team and allow a new driver to take his seat in the second DJR car to join Tim Blanchard. The second driver is expected to be announced in the next day or so.
Steve told James Phelps of the difficult call in an exclusive in today's Sunday Telegraph.
"It was a really tough decision because I would love to be out there driving a V8," Steve said. "I wanted to be on the grid, but let's face it, I'd much rather see the team succeed and have a future than me being in the car.
“I could have gone on, but the team's future would have been in doubt."
Steve revealed it was his dad to tell him the news.
"It not all just about me," Steve said. "It really killed dad to tell me that I did not have a full-time job in the car. He is as disappointed as I am, but at the end of the day I would rather do this than see the team collapse in six or 12 months."
Dick Johnson faced weeks of uncertainty over the off-season but now look secure following the arrival of new sponsors, including Steven stepping aside.
"It has been a battle but we have come through," Dick said.
“It is unfortunate for Steven, but he has done the best thing for the team. We have things in place that will ensure a bright future for this team."
Steve will be a sought-after endurance driver with a good history at Bathurst and could continue his career in another category, Phelps wrote.
After beginning his full-time career with DJR in 2000 when his Dad retired, Steve has been appointed as general manager of Dick Johnson Racing.
"I am a driver but this year I am moving into a managerial role," Steve said. "It is a bit sooner than expected, but it is a challenge I am looking forward to. We want to consolidate the business and be in a strong position in 12 months.
“There are positives in all of this because I think I can take some pressure off dad. He has been under immense strain and I can take on some of that now."
