STORY AND COULTHARD EXCHANGE WORDS
By Bruce Williams
Date posted: 9 December 2020
Ryan Story and Fabian Coulthard exchange words – Image: LAT
Dick Johnson Racing refugee Fabian Coulthard has implied that he was never offered a full-time contract with the team in 2021 on the contrary to what team principal Ryan Story has stated.
By DAN McCARTHY
A brief exchange between the pair occurred on Instagram when Dr Story replied to a fan’s question about ousting New Zealander.
The self-appointed DJR fan commented on a post created by Story late last week saying that was disappointed that the team ‘offloaded’ Coulthard.
Story quickly rebutted this comment, stating that the Kiwi was given an opportunity to remain with the team in 2021.
“He turned down an opportunity with us to be on the grid full-time next year. We wish him all the best,” Story wrote. “He deserves his shot for sure.”
Eleven hours later Coulthard replied to Ryan Story’s comment, contradicting what the team owner said.
He simply replied, “@formularyanstory DID I MISS SOMETHING?” Sending the message with a puzzled face emoji.
In four small words Coulthard clearly stated that he was not offered a full-time contract with the Queensland based team for next season.
Coulthard drove for DJR Team Penske from 2016-2020 and in those five seasons they achieved eight race wins and a Bathurst podium.
However, when Team Penske and DJR announced a split shortly after the Bathurst 1000, DJR announced a whole new driver line-up.
Reigning champion Scott McLaughlin has moved to the states to compete in IndyCar for Team Penske, while locally Coulthard believes he got the axe as a full-time driver.
Former Dick Johnson Racing driver Will Davison returns to the team alongside 25-year-old up and comer Anton de Pasquale.
Coulthard is looking for a seat to compete as a full-time Supercars driver in 2021, however his options are quickly running out.
Update: Since Auto Action published the story the original Instagram post has had the grammar corrected and this has dramatically changed the story. The correction reads as follows.
“He turned down an opportunity with us, to be on the grid full-time next year.”
Highlighting the original news, that Coulthard turned down a co-drive with the team to pursue a full-time drive.
For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
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