Dick Johnson Racing’s two V8 Supercars Championship entries will sport a refreshed look at Symmons Plains following an extension of the team’s sponsorship deal with Wilson Security.
The security services firm had initially inked a two-event partnership with the cash-strapped team just days prior to the Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
Wilson, which also backs the #21 Brad Jones Racing Holden of David Wall, has now extended its support of DJR on what its CEO John McMellan describes as “an interim basis”.
“Initially we stepped in to assist DJR with an immediate objective – that was to assist in ensuring they were at Adelaide,” explained McMellan.
“The team did a good job in ensuring we received commercial outcomes from the initial support we gave them.
“On reviewing this we have decided that there is an opportunity to extend our support and relationship on an interim basis with a focus on building a commercial plan around DJR and our Queensland business operations.
“The aim is to link our DJR support directly with our Queensland business and measure the effectiveness of that.
“The duration of that support will be reviewed based on the commercial and other initiatives we can achieve in our Queensland business by leveraging this support.”
Team drivers Tim Blanchard and Jonny Reid currently sit 17th and 27th respectively in the points standings after what was said to be an extended shakedown run for its two hastily completed cars in Adelaide.
Although the team is yet to undertake a private test day with its Ford Performance Racing-enhanced Falcons, team principal Dick Johnson is hoping his squad can put in an improved performance at Symmons Plains this weekend.
“Having Wilson Security make a further commitment to DJR is a fantastic outcome,” he said.
“John McMellan and his team have been immensely supportive and we are working hard to repay the confidence they placed with us at the start of the season.
“The cars have been freshened up and we have had some time after the AGP to work on a slicker presentation to give Wilson Security and all our partners a better package.”
The team’s financial struggles this year followed the post-2012 season withdrawal of previous major sponsors Jim Beam, VIP Petfoods and Norton, in addition to the January departure of proposed business partner Maurice Pickering.
Johnson’s son Steven stepped down from full-time driving on the eve of the new season amid the team’s financial turmoil, and is currently acting as the squad’s general manager.
