Jim Beam Racing has confirmed its driver pairings for the V8 Supercar Championship endurance races at Phillip Island and Bathurst.
Steven Johnson will team with Marcus Marshall while current championship leader James Courtney will be paired with Warren Luff.
Jim Beam Racing Sporting Director, Adrian Burgess said that experience and ability were the driving factors behind the appointments.
“Warren and Marcus are without doubt the best two drivers without a current main series drive,” said Burgess.
“They have both proved time and time again they have the ability, mental strength, determination and maturity to be able to race at the front with the other main series guys and not feel intimidated or out of place running at the front.
“Both are here on the Gold Coast and they have already spent a lot of time in the factory - with the mechanics and Engineeners - as well as driving at all of our test and rides days.
Burgess said that there was no real science behind the pairings, with the final decision coming down to the similarity in size between Courtney and Luff.
“Warren will fit into James’s seat without any extra padding needed or adjustments to belts etc, which make the driver change quick and smooth.”
Burgess also had high praise for the previously announced pairing of Dick Johnson Racing’s Jonathon Webb with Fujitsu Series driver, Dave Russell.
“Dave is the perfect up and coming driver to put with the series “Top Rookie”,” said Burgess.
“they will be an exciting combination that will turn a few heads.”
