Past, present DJR stars celebrate Johnson's 80th birthday

The motorsport community is today celebrating Dick Johnson on the Supercars Hall of Famer’s 80th birthday.

Johnson, the five-time Australian Touring Car Champion and three-time Bathurst 1000 winner, turns 80 on April 26.

The Queenslander began his racing career in 1964, racing FJ, EH and Torana Holdens before completing a two-year stint in the National Service.

He returned to racing and established Dick Johnson Racing in 1980, making headlines when he hit a rock while leading the 1980 Bathurst 1000.

Johnson made a triumphant return in 1981, claiming the first of his five ATCC titles before winning the Great Race with the late John French.

Across the next 20 years, Johnson led the way in Australian motorsport, winning 30 championship races and also dabbled in NASCAR.

He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1997 and inducted into the Supercars Hall of Fame in 2001, two years after his racing retirement.

In January, he was awarded Ford's highest honour.

Since its debut, DJR has claimed 148 race wins, 148 pole positions and over 300 podiums — an achievement only bettered by Triple Eight Race Engineering.

Three-time Supercars champion and 2019 Bathurst winner Scott McLaughlin, who achieved his greatest successes in Supercars with the team, paid tribute to Johnson.

"Happy 80th Birthday to the great man Dick Johnson,” McLaughlin posted to social media.

"Forever will treasure driving for him and in Car 17. Have the best day mate.”

Current driver of the #17, Will Davison, posted: "Happy 80th Birthday to the legend, icon & all round wonderful man Dick Johnson.

"Have a sensational day mate, the privilege is certainly not lost on me to drive for you and the DJR Family. Cheers DJ.”

John Bowe, won shared the 1989 and 1994 Bathurst wins with Johnson, wrote: "Wishing my very special mate Dick Johnson a very uplifting and happy birthday.

"We shared many adventures together - great victories and a few disappointments but our mateship has endured and strengthened over nearly 40 years!

"You are a true legend mate, and I wish you many more candles."

Todd Hazelwood, a lifelong DJR fan who has joined the team alongside Brodie Kostecki for the enduros, also celebrated his new owner’s special day.

"Happy 80th Birthday this great man and absolute legend, Dick Johnson,” Hazelwood posted.

"Hope you have an awesome day mate."

Kostecki added: "Happy Birthday DJ! Proud to be apart of your journey and I hope you’re well spoilt today for your big 80th."