SUPERCARS TEAM OWNERS RECOGNISED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR LIST

By Bruce Williams

Date posted: June 13, 2022

It has been announced today that Supercars team owners Ryan Story and Betty Klimenko have earned recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Both have been made Members of the Order of Australia for significant service to motorsport.

Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and Shell V-Power Racing Team’s Executive Chairman and co-owner Dr Ryan Story was also recognised for his contribution to the community.

Klimenko, the owner of Erebus Motorsport that famously won the 2017 Bathurst 1000 title, was also recognised for her contribution to charitable organisations.

They join a total of 669 people who have received General Division of the Order of Australia awards in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday celebrations.

Ryan Story co-owner of DJR with Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison

Story bought into Dick Johnson Racing in 2013 and since then has overseen three drivers’ titles, a Bathurst 1000 in 2019 and over 60 race wins.

He is also an ambassador to Camp Quality and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and a director of Indigenous motorsport participation and STEM program Racing Together.

Supercars Hall of Famer Dick Johnson, himself a Member of the Order of Australia recipient, paid tribute to Story.

“Ryan is a man who puts others first and himself second,” Johnson said.

“He has done so much not only for motorsport, but the community with his charity work with Camp Quality, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Racing Together programme.

“The work he has done tirelessly behind the scenes has got the team to where it is today and all the success we have had, he has been a big part of it.

“Congratulations Ryan, it is an honour to partner with you on and off the track.”

Klimenko bought Stone Brothers Racing and ran three Mercedes-AMG entries in 2013.

Erebus has been a two-car Holden team since 2016; in 2017, the team won the Bathurst 1000 with David Reynolds and Luke Youlden.

The Melbourne squad blooded rookies Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki in 2021; Brown winning a race in Sydney before Kostecki went on to claim a podium finish (3rd) at the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Kostecki opened the 2022 season with a maiden ARMOR ALL Pole Position, also coming in Sydney.

Klimenko, the daughter of the late John Saunders AO, is also a key figure in her Saunders Family charitable programme.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard commended both Story and Klimenko on today’s honours.

“This is well-deserved recognition for Ryan and Betty – two outstanding leaders of their respective Supercars teams,” Howard said.

“Both have done so much for Supercars and for many others throughout Australia, possessing leadership and compassionate qualities that have had a profound impact on many.

“This is a very special occasion and on behalf of Supercars I congratulate Ryan and Betty on being recognised for their dedication to Supercars and the wider motorsport community as well as the community groups and charities they have supported for many years.”

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SUPERCARS TEAM OWNERS RECOGNISED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR LIST

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