DICK Johnson Racing might have been outshone by fellow Ford teams Walkinshaw Andretti United and Tickford Racing in Perth, but that doesn’t mean the trip west was futile.
DJR’s CEO David Noble observed that Wanneroo was about developing a more consistent platform from which to shoot for the stars.
After a disappointing Bathurst 500 and mixed Albert Park, DJR took three podiums from Taupō and essentially ran top 10 all weekend in Perth.
An electrical issue robbed Will Davison of 10th on the Saturday, as Anton De Pasquale finished ninth. The duo took a step forward the next day to finish Race 2 fourth and sixth, respectively.
“We came looking for some consistency, creating that reliability for the drivers with what we prepare, and I think as we worked through the weekend that probably came to hand,” Noble told V8 Sleuth.
“We found some good pace (on Sunday), not quite to the level of where the Tickford and Walkinshaw guys were – and congrats to those guys, the representation of Ford is really strong which is great.
“We have still got work to do, but the level of consistency was pretty good.”
With that consistency starting to be found, Noble made no secret of the next step: “Winning races.”
He added that engine progress made by DJR’s Motorsport Powertrains division was part of the Blue Oval’s improving form.
“No doubt,” said Noble.
“I think it’s not just engine, I think everyone is working out set-ups. We’re now on top of what we did pre-Christmas at Windshear, so there’s some understanding, and obviously there’s a couple of Ford teams that have got on top of things a bit quicker.
“But I think the engines are really showing (well), we have got great racing pace and there’s great parity at the moment.”
