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JOHNSON: I WANT MORE TCM IN 2016
STEVEN JOHNSON has spoken out about his desire for more Touring Car Masters racing next year.
Johnson will start his fifth TCM round this weekend at Phillip Island concluding a season that didn’t even have him planning for one at the start of the year.
The longstanding relationship between the Johnson and Bowe families continued this year with the pair producing plenty of sensational racing – classic duels at Hidden Valley and Queensland Raceway the highlights.
The pair have finished 1-2 in rounds on two occasions this year.
“It’s funny how things work out at the start of the year there were no plans for me to race in the TCM series then the opportunity came up when JB couldn’t race the Symmons Plains round†Johnson explained of his remarkable year.
“We had a very successful weekend and I had an absolute blast with all the TCM teams and competitors.â€Â
After winning all three races in Tasmania Johnson returned to the series in Darwin at Queensland Raceway and recently at Mount Panorama Bathurst.
He currently sits sixth in the ProMaster championship having won three of the four rounds he’s started – Bowe beating him home at Bathurst in October.ÂÂ
“Thanks to all our sponsors – Payce Wilson Security Knox Transfer Stations Herrod Motorsport TG Motorsport there was another chance for me to go to Darwin. We were close but not quite there the help from the general public was the thing that topped it off. What an eye opener I was humbled with the amount of support that got us to Darwin.â€Â
Johnson says that now he’s on the verge of the final round of the year he’s keen to put together a program for a full season in 2016.
“Here we are now about to compete in our 5th round for the year which has been incredible†he said.
“We’re working hard to secure a permanent spot on the grid next year to have a run at full championship season that’s my aim. A huge thanks to JB Hammo and all the JB’s crew for their help and support this year. It has definitely been one to remember.â€Â
Bowe – who owns the Ford Mustang Johnson has raced – said he hopes Johnson’s TCM form pushes his old mate back into the limelight with V8 Supercars teams.
“It’s always terrific to go racing with Stevie J†Bowe enthused.
“He is a class act and has been great for the series and for our John Bowe Racing team. I am hoping he gets deserved recognition next year in the V8 long distance races and in GT as well but would love to continue his TCM racing with us.
“A big thank you to the many people who made it possible – It’s been a terrific year for us.â€Â
Practice gets underway at Phillip Island this morning for the Rare Spares Phillip Island Trophy with qualifying this afternoon and the first of two races tomorrow.
Jim Richards currently leads the standings by 5 points over Bowe heading into the final round.