Dick Johnson Racing

Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) stands as one of the most storied and successful teams in the history of the Supercars Championship, Australia’s premier touring car series. Founded in 1981 by the legendary Dick Johnson, the team emerged from humble beginnings to become a powerhouse in Australian motorsport. Johnson, a charismatic and determined racer, initially competed as a privateer before establishing his eponymous team. The team’s early years were marked by resilience, particularly after a devastating crash at Bathurst in 1980 that destroyed Johnson’s Ford Falcon. A public fundraising campaign, supported by Ford Australia, helped him rebuild, and the team quickly became a fan favorite, embodying the underdog spirit that resonates deeply in Australian motorsport culture.

DJR’s major achievements are a testament to its enduring competitiveness. The team has claimed five Supercars Championships, with its first title coming in 1981, the same year it was founded, as Johnson secured the Australian Touring Car Championship. The team’s golden era in the 1980s and early 1990s saw Johnson dominate, with further championships in 1982, 1984, 1988, and 1989. DJR also boasts an impressive record at the Bathurst 1000, one of the most prestigious races in the world, with victories in 1981, 1989, 1994, and most recently in 2019 and 2020. These triumphs have cemented DJR’s legacy as a team capable of success across different eras of Supercars racing.

Over the decades, DJR has been home to some of the most notable drivers in Australian motorsport. Dick Johnson himself was the face of the team for years, but other legends have also contributed to its success. John Bowe, a two-time Supercars champion, was instrumental in the team’s dominance during the late 1980s and early 1990s. More recently, Scott McLaughlin became a household name during his tenure with DJR Team Penske, securing three consecutive championships from 2018 to 2020 and breaking numerous records along the way. Other notable names include Steven Johnson, Dick’s son, who raced for the team for over a decade, and Anton De Pasquale, who has been a key figure in the team’s recent campaigns.

Technically, DJR has always been known for its innovative approach and close collaboration with manufacturers, particularly Ford. The team’s partnership with Ford Performance has been a cornerstone of its success, with DJR playing a pivotal role in the development of the Mustang GT for Supercars competition. The team’s engineering philosophy emphasizes precision, reliability, and adaptability, traits that have allowed it to remain competitive despite the ever-evolving regulations in the Supercars Championship. DJR’s ability to extract maximum performance from its cars, combined with strategic excellence, has often given it an edge over rivals.

In the current era, DJR continues to be a formidable force in the Supercars Championship. The team’s partnership with Team Penske from 2015 to 2020 marked a period of renewed success, culminating in McLaughlin’s dominance and back-to-back Bathurst victories. While the Penske alliance concluded in 2021, DJR has remained competitive under its own banner, with Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison leading the charge. The team’s transition to the Gen3 Supercars regulations in 2023 presented new challenges, but DJR’s deep-rooted expertise and relentless work ethic have ensured it remains at the sharp end of the grid.

DJR’s headquarters in Stapylton, Queensland, is a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the team’s professional ethos. The workshop and offices are designed to support every aspect of the team’s operations, from car development and engineering to logistics and administration. The Stapylton base is a hub of innovation, featuring advanced simulation tools, dyno testing, and fabrication capabilities that enable the team to maintain its competitive edge. The facility also serves as a testament to DJR’s commitment to excellence, providing a world-class environment for its staff and drivers.

Leadership has been a critical factor in DJR’s sustained success, and under Ryan Story, the team has continued to thrive. Story, who took over as Team Principal following Dick Johnson’s gradual step back from day-to-day operations, has brought a modern and strategic approach to the team. His deep understanding of the sport, combined with a keen business acumen, has ensured DJR remains a leader in Supercars. Story’s leadership was particularly pivotal during the transition period after the departure of Team Penske, where he successfully steered the team through a phase of restructuring while maintaining its competitive momentum. His vision for DJR is rooted in honoring its rich heritage while embracing innovation to secure future success.

Dick Johnson Racing’s a team that embodies the heart and soul of Australian motorsport. From its gritty beginnings to its status as a multiple championship-winning outfit, DJR has consistently demonstrated the qualities that define greatness in racing: passion, perseverance, and performance. With a storied past, a strong present, and a clear vision for the future, DJR remains a cornerstone of the Supercars Championship, continuing to write new chapters in its illustrious history.