DJR and Shell sticking together
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 13 September 2024
The partnership between Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and Shell will accelerate towards a sixth decade through a new multi-year deal.
The deal between Shell licensee Viva Energy Australia and DJR announced on the morning of the Sandown 500 means the iconic Shell V-Power colours will remain on the #11 and #17 Mustangs.
Dick Johnson’s Ford Mustang Adelaide 1986 with Shell and Greens Tuf backing – Photo: Supplied
Shell started sponsoring Dick Johnson back in 1967 and became the naming rights partner in 1987, which remained the case for the next 18 years to 2004.
During that period DJR and Shell produced some of the most iconic schemes from the red Sierras, yellow EB and EF Falcons and tri-coloured AUs.
Dick Johnson and John Bowe winning the 1994 Sandown 500. Image: AN1 Media/Supercars/Auto Action Archive
Despite new colours coming in 2005, shell remained a partner until 2017 when it reclaimed naming rights honours.
Since then the DJR cars have carried a largely unchanged livery as the team returned to the top of the Supercars world.
An ever present through it all has been Johnson himself, who was thrilled the partnership could carry on.
Dick and Steven Johnson at Bathurst in 1998. Image: Supplied
“It’s really, really pleasing to see that we’ve got another extension of our contract, which we’ve had for many, many years with Shell,” he said.
“We’ve been with them for 55-odd years and I believe our partnership is one of the longest-standing relationships in Australian sport.
“Over that time we have had a lot of success together, and we look forward to having a lot more success together in the future.”
“Our partnership with DJR is one that commenced over 57 years ago and is built on the mutual alignment of high performance and team culture,” said Andrew Egan, General Manager of Marketing at Viva Energy Australia.
Dick Johnson during his farewell 1999 season on the streets of Adelaide. Image: Auto Action Archives
“Our partnership is a true collaboration that delivers strong commercial outcomes for both the racing team and our business with the association of our Shell V-Power premium fuel brand.
“We are united in our passion for our fans, customers, and the sport to deliver the best experience possible.”
They will chase a third Sandown 500 win this weekend.
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