DICK JOHNSON RACING CONFIRM DRIVER LINE-UP

Dick Johnson Racing confirm driver line-up – Photo: Supplied

Newly renamed Dick Johnson Racing has confirmed the worst kept secret of the Supercars silly season by announcing Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale as its 2021 driver line-up.

By HEATH McALPINE

As predicted by Auto Action, Davison returns to the team he made his full-time Supercars debut with back in 2006 and his debut round victory in 2008.

Davison to re-join the team after the success it has experienced in recent times.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Championship winning team, and after a strong weekend at Bathurst, I feel I’m well-positioned to have my best season yet,” said Davison.

“I’ve always maintained close relationships with Dick and Ryan over the years. I’m massively motivated to be back where my Supercars career started, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Anton.”

Rising star De Pasquale switches to the Queensland-based squad after a strong season with Erebus Motorsport where he beat team leader David Reynolds in the championship and took his maiden race win earlier this year in Darwin.

“I really enjoyed my time at Erebus, it was like a big family, and I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to step up into the main game,” said De Pasquale

“Now, I’m ready to take the next step in my career. I’m excited at the possibilities of what I’ll be able to achieve at the Shell V-Power Racing Team and with Will as my teammate.

Managing director and team co-owner Ryan Storey is expecting the new driver pairing to be successful replacements for IndyCar-bound, three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin and multiple race winner Fabian Coulthard.

“They are an excellent combination,” said Story. “They are both fast, they both have runs on the board, and they will do very well for Dick Johnson Racing and the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

“Will is someone who is incredibly experienced and also well-known to the team. He really kick-started his full-time Supercars career here and drove for us from 2006 to 2008. So, it’s somewhat of a homecoming, and we are pleased he’s joining the fold.

“In the case of Anton, he is one of the up and coming, next-generation drivers in the sport, and he’s shown his tremendous talent on the track and his professionalism off it. He’s a driver’s driver.”

Team founder and co-owner Dick Johnson shared Story’s sentiments, believing the new driver line-up showcases the best mix of youth and experience.

“Will and Anton are great new additions to our team, and I couldn’t be happier,” Johnson expressed.

“I’ve known Will forever, and he showed again at Bathurst his exceptional speed and maturity.

“Anton is someone who caught my eye even before joining Erebus in 2018 with his exploits overseas.

“He’s a real talent and a future champion of the sport.”

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