Bathurst’s Mount Panorama is home to arguably the most coveted 6.2km of tarmac in Australia. It’s a motorsport enthusiast’s dream to drive and a bucket list moment for any driver.

Achieving a podium finish at Bathurst is reserved for the elite professionals. Or is it?

Joel Johnson was one of the competitors part of the 51-car 24/7 Roadservices Australia Circuit Excel Bathurst Challenge grid at this year’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, securing podium finishes for all three races (P1 in Race 1, P2 in Race 2 and P1 in Race 3).

It was a family affair for Team Johnson, capped off after Joel thanked his father, Mark, for “working on the car non-stop for this to be possible”.

Joel’s talent on track is not new, however, before Excels, he won three junior top guns, two State Championships and set a lap record at Mallala.

Johnson was karting as a toddler and had his black plates by age seven. He started racing Excels at age 14.

Andrew Young is the Secretary of the Circuit Excel Racing Association and admitted that he has “mythologised Bathurst” since he was a kid.

He’s now instrumental in coordinating a grassroots field that is balanced and competitive, which Young credits to working with Motorsport Australia to develop well-defined eligibility rules.

“Our stable rule set, which we work on with Motorsport Australia, sees our controlled components, in particular, Supashock suspension and Dunlop tyres, make for some really good racing,” Young said.

“From an eligibility point of view, all the cars [at Bathurst] were compliant which means our efforts are working, to ensure people understand the rule set and know how to get to that level.”

Young said the Dunlop Destiny Series remains a good pathway for a variety of categories, noting Supercars driver Broc Feeney started off in Excel racing.

Young reiterated the strength of the motorsport community, noting that the racing is “just a part of it”.

“The best part is the entire weekend…  it’s enjoying the time. It has a community feel to it. Excels are a grassroots entry level community,” Young said.

“It [Excel racing] is still an affordable way to get into motorsport, one of the cheapest ways to get into circuit racing. Inclusiveness is key and that’s what we still aim to do.”

The Johnsons feel this too, talking about “parts sharing” being a common theme at Excel events.

“You’ll get a WhatsApp message calling for help.” Johnson said of the community spirit.

Mark admitted it can be a tough gig, being a family team. With the car in the home garage, he’s working a full-time day job and working on the car in the evenings.

A sparky by trade, Johnson has some mechanical nous, but tells a common story where motorsport parents are concerned.

“I like engines and cars but I’m a struggling mechanic. I know enough to get myself in trouble. But as a dad with a kid racing, you’ve got no choice [but to get involved]. I’ve learnt my way, and friends as mechanics are a phone call away,” Johnson said.

It’s a challenge, but the motivation is strong for Johnson, crediting grassroots grit as a defining characteristic in managing a lean budget alongside the skilled team at Lonsdale Auto.

“My son is quite talented and I want to pave the way. Out of 132 starts, he’s got 95 trophies. In his last two years of karting, he had a 90 per cent podium rate and 75 per cent win rate.”

The grassroots of Excel at Bathurst is well and truly alive across the board. Despite being a kid, Joel Johnson is grateful, and pays it forward.

“At a state round, he coached people. He spent time with six different drivers,” Johnson said.

“When we go to the track, it’s a family.”

Excel racing returns this week to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the 2025 Dunlop Excel Nationals. Click here for more information.