DICK JOHNSON RACING LAUNCH NEW ERA

Dick Johnson Racing launch new era – Images: Supplied

Reigning championship winning team Dick Johnson Racing has confirmed Viva Energy Australia will continue as naming rights sponsor through its Shell branding after signing a multi-year deal.

By HEATH McALPINE

At its 2021 season launch held at the Gold Coast Motor Museum, drivers Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale revealed the updated appearance of the team’s Ford Mustang.

It heralds a new era for the team after Roger Penske ended his six-year association with the Queensland-based squad post-Bathurst. Star driver Scott McLaughlin followed and Fabian Coulthard was bumped out by the team in a complete change to its full-time driver line-up.

Davison and De Pasquale revealed the Mustang prior to starting their seasons at the Supercars pre-season test on Thursday at Queensland Raceway.

The launch also revealed Viva Energy Australia’s re-commitment to DJR for the coming seasons, an association which spans five decades through Shell.

“We’re delighted to not only be showing our partners and supporters our 2021 Ford Mustang for the first time but to also announce that Viva Energy Australia has renewed its naming rights partnership with us,” said Chairman and CEO of Dick Johnson Racing Ryan Story.

“Viva Energy Australia has been a key part of our success since joining us as naming rights partner back in 2017, but their association with Dick Johnson through racing and business extends over 50 years. They have been a cornerstone of our operations since 1987 with the two DJR Shell Ultra-Hi Sierras.

“We have a great relationship with Viva Energy, and they have been a fantastic collaborator on this journey.”

Team co-owner and founder Dick Johnson raced in Shell colours for more than a decade and is excited to extend the relationship.

“Shell, as you know, has been with us for certainly all of my career, and it’s an absolute pleasure to work with people that really understand the value of not only what we’re doing but how they interact with the team and become a real part of our racing family at every race meeting,” said Johnson.

“And that’s very, very important from our point of view.”

With so much history between DJR and Shell, executive general manager consumer, Viva Energy Australia Megan Foster is hopeful the recent success can continue amidst the off-season changes.

“The Shell V-Power Racing Team is Australia’s favourite race team and the current Drivers’ and Teams’ Champions.

“Today we officially welcome our two new drivers to the team – Anton de Pasquale and Will Davison – and know that they are in good hands and well set up for the 2021 season.

“Shell’s association with Dick Johnson Racing and the legend himself goes back decades, and today we also announce the continuation of that partnership.

“Successful partnerships like these play an important role in the development of Shell products, and this is the team that will take us forward and drive success into the future. We look forward to the ride in 2021 and beyond.”

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