Former Holden Racing Team, PWR Racing and Tasman Motorsport team manager Jeff Grech has revealed that he almost ‘jumped ship’ in 2006.
Grech, who has been part of 10 Bathurst wins and eight V8 Supercars titles, was aligned to Holden teams for the majority of his career, but told Speedcafe.com.au that he was almost lured to Dick Johnson Racing back in 2006.
“The talks with DJR got serious,” said Grech.
“When Tom (Walkinshaw) bought HRT back and Craig Wilson returned, I knew, ultimately, that I’d eventually have to go.
“Steve Chalker (then managing DJR) and Dick (Johnson) approached me.
“We got a fair way along in discussions, it was a long process and I’d almost signed the contract and then Chalker left and things changed dramatically and it never eventuated.”
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The 2006 season turned out to be a tumultuous one for DJR. After Shell and Westpoint withdrew their title sponsorship from DJR in consecutive years, Johnson and Chalker decided to ‘self-fund’ the famous Queensland team, using First Rock Home Loans and V8 Telecom as the major backers of the two car team, (driven by Steve Johnson and Will Davison).
The self-funding venture failed and almost ruined Johnson’s race team – saved the following season by new backer Jim Beam and co-owner Charlie Schwerkolt.
For more on Jeff Grech, CLICK HERE for today’s edition of ‘Where Are They Now?’
