Dick Johnson Racing has taken the wraps off its new 2011 look, and revealed its co-drivers for Phillip Island and Bathurst this year.
The champion team has confirmed that stand-out co-driver David Besnard and Kiwi Matt Halliday will drive alongside regular DJR drivers Steve Johnson and James Moffat.
At the Clipsal 500 circuit in Adelaide today, team owner Dick Johnson told Speedcafe.com.au that having the experience of Besnard and Halliday will be vital for his team’s chances in the two-driver races.
“You’ve got to have good people around you – the competition is too tough,” Johnson said.
“Phillip Island and Bathurst are races where you’ve got to have co-drivers who are as good as your main drivers. It’s not a night watchman’s role – you’ve got to be as good as the others.”
Due to alcohol advertising restrictions during the opening round of the championship at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, DJR could not run its full livery.
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The famous Queensland team has waited until today to reveal its 2011 look – similar to the livery it wore in the final rounds of last year’s championship.
“Well it worked well last year, which was one of the reason we’ve made it similar,” Johnson told Speedcafe.com.au.
“We changed the car before Phillip Island last year, and we had some success in that period. We hope we can replicate that,” Johnson said.
“The look of the car is the way that Jim Beam want to get its brand out there, especially the ‘Where you draw the line’ program.”
Coca Cola Amatil has increased the support of the team as well, with larger branding on the front bar of both cars.
“One of my very good friends John Murphy is now heading up most of the stuff from Coke. I’ve know him since my days working with him at CUB Fosters,” Johnson said.
“We’ve had a good association over many years, and I think that Jim Beam and Coke go quite well together!”
Johnson and the Jim Beam team will hold an official launch party in pit lane later this evening.
CLICK HERE for more on the second event of the V8 Supercars Championship in Speedcafe.com.au’s exclusive Race Guide.
