Dick Johnson

Johnson's racing career began in November 1964 at Lakeside International Raceway in a Holden FJ. He progressed through various Holden models, including the EH and the Torana GTR, scoring his first Australian Touring Car Championship points at Lakeside in 1970. His first Bathurst 1000 drive was in 1973, placing fifth in a Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1.

In 1977, Johnson switched to Ford, a move that would define the rest of his career. At the 1980 Bathurst 1000, while leading, his car hit a rock on the track and crashed. The incident garnered significant public support, with Australians donating approximately A$72,000 to help rebuild his team. Ford Motor Company of Australia, led by Edsel Ford II, matched the public donations dollar-for-dollar and provided a new car shell, bringing the total to $144,000. This support, combined with financial backing from his friend Ross Palmer and Palmer Tube Mills, allowed Johnson to return to racing in 1981.

With Palmer Tube Mills as his primary sponsor, Johnson won his first Australian Touring Car Championship in 1981 in a thrilling duel with Peter Brock at Lakeside International Raceway. He secured further ATCC titles in 1982 (in the "Tru Blu" XD Falcon), 1984 (in the "Greens Tuf" XE Falcon), 1988, and 1989 (both in a Ford Sierra RS500). Johnson claimed 30 championship race wins during his career.

Johnson achieved three victories at the Bathurst 1000. His first win came in 1981, co-driving a Ford XD Falcon with John French. He won again in 1989 in a Ford Sierra RS500 alongside John Bowe, leading every lap of the race. His third victory was in 1994, driving an EB Falcon, again with Bowe.

In 1989 and 1990, Johnson made a brief foray into the NASCAR Cup Series, competing in seven races in a Ford Thunderbird. His best qualifying position was eleventh at Sears Point Raceway, and his best finish was 22nd at Pocono Raceway. He also competed in the 1988 Goodyear NASCAR 500 at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Australia, where he was involved in an early crash. Future NASCAR Hall of Fame honoree Ray Evernham served as his head strategist and pit crew chief during these campaigns.

Johnson retired from driving at the end of the 1999 season, though he made a one-off final appearance at the 2000 Queensland 500 with his son Steven Johnson. Steven continued to drive his father's famous No. 17 car for over a decade. Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), founded in 1980, is Australia's oldest motor racing team competing in the Supercars Championship. The team has won ten Australian Touring Car Championship titles (five by Johnson himself) and four Bathurst 1000 victories. As of January 2026, DJR has claimed 148 race wins, 148 pole positions, and over 300 podiums.

In late 2014, Roger Penske purchased a 51% stake in the team, forming DJR Team Penske. During this period (2015-2020), the team won three Teams' Championships and three consecutive Drivers' Championships with Scott McLaughlin. Penske sold his interest back to Ryan Story at the end of the 2020 Supercars Championship season, and the team reverted to Dick Johnson Racing. Since January 2023, Brett and Shaun Ralph have been majority shareholders, with Dick Johnson and Executive Chairman Dr. Ryan Story retaining significant shareholdings and overseeing operations.

Johnson's cars were frequently equipped with Racecam units by Channel 7, the longtime Bathurst 1000 broadcaster. His laconic commentary and one-liners made him a favorite with Australian race fans.

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