BTCC: Paul Radisich to race in Australia in 1999

Radisich to race in Australia in 99

Two time World Cup Champion Paul Radisich has signed with Shell Helix Racing for the 1999 Australian season. In a major coup for Dick Johnson's team, Radisich has been lured back to Australasia from a successful Touring Car career in Britain and Europe, to drive an all new AU model Ford Falcon V8 Supercar alongside our own motor racing legend.

Radisich will contest the entire 1999 Australian season beginning with the Australian Grand Prix meeting (Melbourne) on 6th and 7th of March, and the 13 round schedule of the new-look Shell Championship series, which includes the annual FAI 1000 Classic at Bathurst.

"Australia's V8 Supercar category is now one of the best, most competitive, most exciting in the world, and I'm very keen to be part of it." Paul Radisich says.

"Dick's team is without question one of the very best I've ever worked with. I've had a long and successful association with them over many years, and this opportunity to drive for them is really too good to pass up."

"With a brand new car and a change to control tyres, I think the series will be more competitive than ever, but I'm impressed by the teams determination to win and I'm equally determined to take them there."

"I can't wait to get out there"

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, 36 year old Radisich won Touring Car's official World Championship, the World Cup, back to back in 1993 and 1994 for the Ford factory team. Radisich is no stranger to Johnson's Shell-backed team, having won the Nissan-Mobil series in New Zealand for them in 1992 and also finished second for Australia's longest-established professional race team at Bathurst in 1990.

"Paul is a world class driver and we're delighted to have him on board" Dick Johnson says.

"He is simply one of the fastest, most aggressive drivers in the business, he's the consummate professional, and his signing has really lifted the whole team ... you can expect very big things from us in 1999"

Radisich's signing comes with the confirmation that second-generation racer, Steve Johnson, was also in serious contention for the Shell Helix Racing drive.

However the 24 year old is already contracted for the '99 season and is not available.

"Naturally I'm disappointed we couldn't give Steve the chance this year" father Dick admits, "but we continue to have long-term plans in place for him, when he becomes available once more"

Paul Radisich will move from his U.K. base shortly and is expected to begin testing for Shell Helix Racing mid-february.