It's retro time!
Next weekend, the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will hit Sandown Raceway for the opening round of the PIRTEK Enduro Cup, and after last year's success of making the historic event a 'retro round' the handlebar moustaches, stubbies, and old-school racing liveries are back.
And the first cab off the rank is Shell V-Power Racing, with the livery for the Ford Falcons of Scott McLaughlin/Alex Premat and Fabian Coulthard/Tony D'Alberto.
The striking, plain-by-today's-standards red livery is a reflection of one of Dick Johnson Racing's most successful eras in Australian touring car racing. Specifically, it references Johnson's 1988 championship-winning car.
In the late '80s, Johnson and teammate John Bowe were a near unstoppable force; racking up championship wins as well as a Bathurst 1000 win in 1989. They were the first team to truly stamp their authority on Group A racing in this part of the world, to the point where Johnson's Ford Sierra RS500s were regarded by some as the fastest in the world.
Then of course the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R came along and wiped the floor with its incredible tech and the capable hands of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, and Group A was phased out around the world in 1992.
“Those Sierras were the best touring cars on the planet, and we were completely and totally on top of our game,” said Dick Johnson.
“Seeing that classic livery on these cars is very special and brings back many great memories. It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years, but amazing to relive those fantastic times and see that livery back on track.
“Hopefully we can be as successful at Sandown as we were throughout the ’88 season.”