Dick Johnson Racing announces Westpoint as new naming rights sponsor
16/2/2005 18:40 (Press Release) -
Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) is heralding the start of a new era with the signing of the Westpoint Group as its naming rights sponsor. Westpoint is one of Australia's largest finance, construction and property management organisations.
"Dick Johnson Racing is thrilled to announce that it will be known as Westpoint Racing in this year's V8 Supercar Championship Series, and for plenty more (years) after this," Dick Johnson said.
"I think that you will all agree that the new Ford looks absolutely sensational.
"It's a return to the colours that I raced in during the Tru-Blu era and I know that Ford is very happy to see another of its teams sporting similar corporate colours.
"With Westpoint and Glenn Seton having joined DJR, and Steven (Johnson) as committed as I have ever seen him, we are all looking forward to a very big year."
DJR is pleased to have secured a sponsor that is new to the world of motorsport.
"Without the financial backing of the automotive industry V8 Supercars would not have grown into the professional business that it now is," Johnson said.
"For the sport to continue growing it needs to build relationships with dynamic businesses outside of the automotive industry, which is what DJR has achieved with Westpoint.
"Westpoint has never had an association with motorsport but it decided upon V8 Supercars because it is the fastest growing sport in the country.
"The V8 Championship reaches millions at the track and at home, and those that support it are one of the key target demographics for Westpoint's business interests.
"Dick Johnson Racing is aiming to challenge all those ahead of it this year, it wants to be at the top and so does Westpoint. Together we saw the opportunities and together we will work to achieve our goals."
After several multi-year deals with its former naming sponsor, DJR has secured an even better deal with Westpoint, which is a win-win for both parties.
"Dick Johnson Racing and Westpoint have committed to each other long term and have signed a multi-year sponsorship deal," Johnson said.
"Like a team can't win a championship in its first year, Westpoint understands that it needs time to reach its goals, so a short term contract was not even a consideration.
"From a DJR point of view, to say we are happy with the deal struck with Westpoint is an understatement; it is a great deal and forms the start of a new and exciting relationship."
While Shell has reduced its business interests in motorsport, its three decade relationship with Dick Johnson continues in 2005 and beyond.
"I am extremely happy to say that Shell will continue its association with my team for the next three years albeit as a technical supporter," Johnson said.
"Like Shell, we certainly hope that today's Westpoint sponsorship announcement is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship."
With a new sponsor and the team's impressive new Westpoint Fords in tow, Dick Johnson is looking forward to the future.
"They say a change is as good as a holiday and I can't argue with this, Westpoint has revitalised, rejuvenated and revved up Dick Johnson Racing," Johnson said.
"I'm incredibly excited about the future; we've got two very competitive cars, determined and talented drivers and a committed team.
"We finished last season with some strong results and everything is in place to help us go forward.
"Today is definitely the start of a new, exciting era for Dick Johnson Racing."
Dick Johnson Racing will compete at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, March 4-6, 2005.
Release Date: 08/02/2005
Dick Johnson Racing - Westpoint
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