The DJR Shell V Power Racing Team enters the wild card for the Bathurst 1000 later this year for the first time in its history. A third TJR Shell V Power Ford Mustang will be driven by Simona De Silvestro, who has been exempted from this by Porsche.

Text: Willem J. Stat
Photo: DJR Shell V Power Racing

Simona De Silvestro returns at Bathurst with a wildcard entry
Dick Johnson’s team recently got a chance following a change in Supercars championship credentials. The recording was also supported by DJR’s business partners. The combination of experience and youth gives the Wild Card entry a great platform to compete at Mount Panorama this year. Switzerland’s Silvestro competes at Bathurst with rising talent Guy Allen, who currently competes in the Dunlop Super2 series.

Dick Johnson Racing CEO David Noble was delighted with the announcement. “This wild card entry for Dick Johnson Racing has been a long time coming and we are very excited about it. Guy’s enthusiasm and talent mixed with Simona’s experience is definitely the right combination. This would not be possible without the support of our amazing partners Viva Energy Australia (Shell License in Australia), WM Waste and Rheem and Pivotel. As an organization we are driven to win and aim to deliver a competitive car to Bathurst.

Simona Di Silvestro is happy to return to supercars. Simona De Silvestro: “I’m excited to be racing at the iconic Bathurst circuit again and I’d like to thank DJR and Shell V Power for this great opportunity. Four years is a long time indeed, but who would have thought that I wouldn’t be traveling to Australia for a long time in 2019. I’m looking forward to working with the young talent Guy Allen and I’m sure we’ll make a great team. And of course I’d also like to thank Harvey Norman and Katie Page, both of whom supported me in Australia then. New Gen. I can’t wait to get back to Australia in September to check out the 3. Test drive the car.”

Supercars debutant Guy Allen also shared his excitement at being one of the longest established and respected racing teams. “I look forward to working with such a knowledgeable and respected team who have had so much success over the years. Riding with Simona will undoubtedly be a highlight of the year and I can’t wait to learn from such an experienced rider,” said Guy Allen.

Viva Energy’s Customer and Marketing General Manager Andrew Egan said Viva Energy is delighted to be supporting two such talented drivers. Andrew Egan: “It’s a huge motorsport event and we’re delighted to have Simona and Guy behind the wheel of the third number 98 Shell V Power Mustang. The number 98 is a tribute to our premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 98 Shell V Power Unleaded. We’ve been part of their journey since 1967.

Team Leader Ben Crook: “Kai Allen is a young talent we’ve been looking for for over a year. She drove the Mustang last year on a test day and I was very impressed with her speed, maturity and work ethic. Simona brings a wealth of experience to the team. She will be a great mentor during Kai’s first Repco Bathurst 1000. She continues to be an inspiration to female drivers in particular.