Dick Johnson Racing will enjoy the support of Ford for another 12 months.
After a number of months in negotiations, the iconic Ford team has secured backing from the Blue Oval for 2012 – but the level of support the team will receive is yet to be finalised.
The issue contributing to the delay in signing off on the new deal is the team’s expansion plans. At the final V8 Supercars event in Sydney two weeks ago, DJR confirmed that Dean Fiore would join the team as a third entry (in Jim Beam colours), lining up alongside regular drivers Steve Johnson and James Moffat.
Further expansion is expected to be confirmed in the near future, with Paul Morris Motorsport’s second entry now also set to join DJR, creating a four-car Ford effort.
Team owner Johnson told Speedcafe.com that negotiations regarding expansion to four entries are ongoing.
Last night, V8 Supercars confirmed the make-up of the 2012 pit lane order, with DJR’s two cars grouped next to Fiore’s Triple F Racing entry and Morris’ Nemo Racing entry. CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s full story.
While Johnson could not confirm the four-car plans, he says that his team will know “before Christmas” about the level of funding it will receive from Ford in 2012.
“At this point in time, they’re getting back to us before Christmas, but we’re certainly with them next year,” Johnson told Speedcafe.com.
“We will have some support, we’re just waiting to find out what level of support it will be.”
Johnson’s long-time association with Ford dates back to the late 70s, and if not for a one-year break in 2009, the company would have supported DJR for over 30 successive seasons.
In that period, DJR has won seven Australian Touring Car/V8 Supercars championships and three Bathurst 1000s.