Radisich commits to DJR until 2004
13/8/2001 23:23 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Paul Radisich will drive a Shell Helix Falcon for the next three years, it was announced today.
After months of negotiation, the flying Kiwi inked a new deal that will tie him to Dick Johnson Racing and V8 Supercars until the end of the 2004 season.
Describing the long courting process as “cordial,” DJR Business Manager Steve Horton said he was always confident of securing Radisich’s signature.
“It was only the fine print that needed to be sorted out,” he said.
38-year-old Radisich, now firmly entrenched in the sport after three years under Dick Johnson, said he had no hesitations about continuing the relationship.
"V8 Supercar racing is where I want to be," Radisich, a two-time World Cup winner, said.
"My first three years in Australia have just flown by and while together we have enjoyed some success, I am really excited about what we can achieve in the seasons ahead.
"Our form in recent events is no accident and I am really impressed with the resources the team has committed to achieving success, and that has given me the confidence to sign for another three years.
"There are many other reasons behind my decision, too, from my close association with Shell and Ford which I am keen to continue, the V8 Supercar series itself which is the most competitive of its type in the world, to Australia being a great place to raise a family."
Gold Coast-based Radisich, who is expecting his first child with wife Patricia in November, left the British Touring Car Championship behind in 1999 to replace the departing John Bowe in the Shell outfit.
One of Radisich’s biggest fans, Shell Sponsorship Manager Ross Brodie, said of the deal: “Paul has been a tremendous asset to Shell, on and off the track...we are very pleased that such a successful association will continue for many years yet.”
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