At the start of this year, V8 Supercar Championship series unit Team Penske unveiled a significant sponsorship partnership with Shell Helix. The Shell brand, which is licensed exclusively to Viva Energy in Australia, has a rich history with Dick Johnson Racing in Australia and Team Penske in the US. To highlight this association, the iconic #17 Ford Falcon FG X driven by Marcos Ambrose rolled out onto the track in full Shell Helix livery at the Clipsal 500. Dick Johnson spoke with great pride about his 30-year-plus association with Shell.
“Over the years we have enjoyed fantastic support and genuine friendship from many people at Shell and we look forward to continuing this relationship with the Shell brand through Viva Energy Australia,” he said.
“To see the #17 Ford Falcon in full Shell Helix livery once again is very special. It brings back great memories and Marcos is the right guy to carry on this long partnership.”
“It is a great honour to be representing Shell Helix and DJR Team Penske at our first race meeting this year in Adelaide,” Marcos Ambrose said.
“Dick and Roger both have an incredible history with Shell and it is great to see the brand back in force on our Ford Falcon FG X.”
While this is another example of motorsport leading the way in developing and constantly improving fuels and lubricants, the task is a work in progress for Team Penske’s lead driver Marcus Ambrose, who requested that he be temporarily relieved as driver of the No 17 DJR Team Penske Ford, which began with the Tasmania race last month. Scott Pye took over driving duties.
“I appreciate the effort that Marcos and DJR Team Penske have provided over the first two events of the season,” team owner Roger Penske said.
“Following the Australian Grand Prix, Marcos came to the team, requesting to be replaced from his upcoming driving responsibilities while he continued the transition back into V8 Supercars competition. Entering the season, Marcos understood that the competition in this series is at a very high level and realised that more time was required for this transition.
