The famous Shell Helix Dick Johnson Racing Ford Falcon AU once driven by 1980 Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones is the latest car confirmed for the Kumho Tyre V8 Sleuth Touring Car Classic in August. 

While the car holds the honour of being the last V8 Supercar Jones ever drove, it has a wealth of Australian Touring Car Championship history and success - its most notable victory being Steve Johnson’s breakthrough win in the 2001 Canberra 400.  

Paul Radisich also steered the Falcon to a race win at Sandown in 2000 and a runner-up placing at the Bathurst 1000 alongside Jason Bright the same year.

The car also holds the distinction of being a winner in both the top level of the Championship as well also the development series, the Dunlop Super2 Series, until its final race in 2007. 

With the current car’s owner, Dean Grant confirmed to race it for the first time in 12 years in August, the long-time Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup and CAMS Australian GT Championship regular was excited to bring it back to life.

“I’ve had the car for a little while now and this event is the perfect place for it to make a return to racing,” Grant said.

“The DJR cars always have a special connection with the fans given Dick Johnson’s huge following and the Shell AU Falcons are standouts because they ran at the front in that era. 

“It’s the era of V8 Supercar that people know and love with the H-pattern gearbox from a time where the cars had road-car origins in terms of their body shells.

“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and giving the fans a chance to see her back in action again.”

Taking part at the Shannons Nationals’ visit to Winton Motor Raceway in August, the Classic will welcome a number of the category’s former iconic cars, celebrating the rich Australian touring car racing history. 

Fans unable to attend the Victorian track can watch the Classic live through the Shannons Nationals’ online live stream on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on the event and how to enter, click here.