Dick Johnson Racing Launches Retro look Bathurst Livery

Queensland, July 28 2014

Over 7000 fans were on hand at this year's Open Day at Dick Johnson Racing's Queensland headquarters

This year's Open Day at Dick Johnson Racing's Queensland headquarters on 27 July, saw 7000 fans arrived to witness the unveiling of the DJR team's retro livery for the 2014 Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama in October.

The livery celebrates the 20th anniversary of Dick's win on Mt Panorama, when he teamed with John Bowe to take the chequered flag after a faultless drive against strong competition. The new livery will grace the #17 car to be driven by Dick's son, Steven Johnson and David Wall in the #16 car.

The events of the 1994 race at Bathurst are firmly etched in Dick Johnson's memory.

"I always felt we had the fastest car out there and the best overall package, but in the wet opening stages we couldn't show the legs we knew we had."

After the race, Dick had this to say" In my mind, there's no question this was my best win there, and I know it's the one I'll remember as being something very special.

According to Dick, it was an easy decision to celebrate the win with a retro livery for the 2014 Supercheap Bathurst 1000 in October, especially as there will be another Johnson in the #17 car, with son, Steven returning to co-drive with David Wall.

"PAYCE joined the team of Dick Johnson Racing as a major sponsor at the beginning of the 2014 season and it's been exciting to be part of DJR and the V8 Supercars competition," said Mr Brian Boyd – PAYCE`s Managing Director.

Mr Brian Boyd, an avid motorsport enthusiast, said Dick's win 20 years ago in the #17 Ford was outstanding and is considered one of his most memorable drives.

"That year, the Bathurst race had all the right ingredients for a good race, changing weather conditions and strong competition," he said.

"At the end of the day, Dick and John were well-deserving of the win, after coming out on top of a hard-fought battle in the closing stages," he said.

"This year's Bathurst 1000 will be the first time the PAYCE brand has been on the DJR car for this event and it's a privilege to be associated with such an iconic livery to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

"We are continually impressed with the professionalism and dedication of everyone at DJR and look forward to a successful second half of the season, with Bathurst the standout event," Brian Boyd said.

DJR Open Day A Big Hit With Fans

Queensland, July 28 2014

Under Queensland's famous sunny, clear skies, a free annual event for DJR fans, the day boasted non-stop entertainment and activities for more than 7000 fans.

As a major sponsor of the DJR team, PAYCE also had a strong presence and took the opportunity to display its new corporate branding which features heavily on both team cars.

PAYCE and the DJR team - anything worth doing is a collective effort

PAYCE's Managing Director, Brian Boyd said Dick and his team were to be congratulated on putting together such a great event for their huge fan base.

"No one appreciates the importance and the support of fans better than Dick," he said.

"Over the years, his fans have stuck by him through thick and thin and remained loyal followers when Dick hung up his helmet and swapped the driver's seat for that of team owner.

Brian Boyd, looking over the DJR open day noted that, "The evidence of fan base loyalty is in the number of people, including kids and toddlers, proudly wearing and carrying a variety of DJR merchandise on the day." – it`s what makes it all worthwhile.

Brian Boyd said both PAYCE and DJR had a lot in common, including a strong commitment to supporting communities and charities.

"The Open Day celebration was an ideal way to share something with the fans and at the same time, highlight and help the important community work that Camp Quality does for young kids and their families going through hard times," said Mr Boyd.

Fun for all the Family at DJR headquarters open day

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the livery that will grace the car being prepared for the Bathurst 1000 in October.

The retro design was inspired by Dick's 1994 win at the Bathurst 1000 on Mt Panorama and celebrates his teaming with John Bowe in the #17 EB Falcon to achieve in Dick's words "my best win there".

The family fun open day featured a variety of stalls from auto products and motoring suppliers to lifestyle offerings such as the latest top of the line luxury motorhome. Hot Tomato Radio FM were onsite to add audio ambience to the day and a special prize draw for the crowd. Attracting families from around Queensland, young and old were catered with the Race Centre Simulator Rides while the little ones enjoyed the free jumping castle and face painting.

Showtime FMX stunt motorcycle riders had people in awe with their death-defying feats and local Ford car clubs showcased members' performance, vintage and street machine cars.

The day was also important for one of DJR's favourite charities, Camp Quality, and funds raised on the day will help the children's family cancer work.

V8 Supercars also participated for the first time at the Open Day and were kept busy handing out balloons and promoting coming events on the 2014 calendar.

Popular with the fans were the workshop tours where all the behind-the-scenes action takes place away from the racetrack.

Visitors were able see where the cars are serviced, components are developed and assembled and where the colourful signage is created that gives the cars their individual identity.

[ Watch the Video of the DJR family fun day ]

Brian Boyd said PAYCE was excited to be part of the Dick Johnson Racing team and was looking forward to a successful second half of the season.