TRACK’S UPS AND DOWNS

Q

Your team has won titles but there have also been times when financial trouble struck?

A

I think it is very character building when businesses go through (tough times). Just sheer determination and a lot of support from mainly family and certainly people from the outside who contributed to the business and we found a way around it and then things started to really rebuild. Probably the most significant person to become part of the team was our current general manager (Ryan Story), going back in 2011 as a volunteer guy who as a kid was just a fan. He is the one who has restructured the business where it has come to a point where it has become very, very viable. I have met a lot of people in my life – he has only just turned 30 – and he is by far and away the smartest person I have ever met. Just incredible.

Q

Was there a time you feared Dick Johnson Racing might not be on the grid?

A

No. When you get that competitive spirit and I’m not just doing it for myself, I’m doing it for all of those guys who work for me. No matter what, I made sure they always got paid and their loyalty is second to none really. And a lot of the public supported by not jumping ship or anything like that.

Q

Since retiring, is the 2010 championship with James Courtney (pictured) the highlight for you as a team owner?

A

That was a real highlight for the simple reason that no expense was spared in giving him the best equipment to do the job. And even though financially it hurt us really bad, he won the title because of it and the dedication of the team.