Charlie Schwerkolt has sold his shareholding in Dick Johnson Racing.
Schwerkolt, the man touted as DJR’s saviour, is now officially on the outer at the famous Queensland V8 Supercars team.
The only asset that Schwerkolt has taken from his bust-up with Johnson is the Racing Entitlements Contract (REC) that James Courtney currently competes on.
As reported by Speedcafe.com.au yesterday, Schwerkolt will lease that REC to DJR next year for it to remain a two-car team.
DJR will confirm its position on this matter in the next 24 hours
Schwerkolt, the owner of Waverley Forklifts Group, entered into a business partnership with long-time friend Johnson when the team encountered financial difficulties in February 2008.
Since then, Schwerkolt has been part of the team’s resurgence, culminating in Courtney’s title lead heading into this weekend’s V8 season finale at the Sydney Telstra 500.
After a difficult season, Schwerkolt released a statement today confirming his exit from the team.
“I took DJR on to help Dick, first and foremost, and to get the business back on its feet,” Schwerkolt said in the statement.
“Since then, we have together rebuilt the business and re-energised the team, to the point where right now we are leading the V8 Supercar Championship.
“I am enormously proud of what has been achieved over these past almost three years and can’t say enough about the commitment and performance of the people we now have at DJR.
“My decision to sell my share has been a difficult one but the time is right, and I’ve made the decision to switch my attention back to the forklift business.
“I leave with many personal regrets, but equally I am looking forward to watching its on-going success.”