Chaz Mostert replaces Jonny Reid at DJR

Chaz Mostert will campaign the no.12 Wilson Security Falcon for the remainder of the 2013 V8 Supercars season, replacing New Zealander Jonny Reid after just three rounds. The 21-year-old will make his main series debut at Barbagallo in two weeks, having driven in the development series for the past three years.

Mostert is currently contracted to Ford Performance Racing, however in light of a new deal between the two Ford teams; he will switch to drive for Dick Johnson Racing in 2013 alongside FPR engineer Adam DeBorre. The move is a result of both teams’ desire to increase their existing partnership, and according to FPR’s Tim Edwards and Dick Johnson, should greatly benefit both Ford outfits.

Edwards, the team principal of Ford Performance Racing, explained the mutual benefits of the deal.

“FPR and DJR have been working together closely since the end of last year and having Chaz drive for DJR is a positive extension of our relationship. It will not only help DJR develop their new cars quicker, which is important for all of us, but gives Chaz the main series opportunity he deserves, so I know both sides will benefit immensely. While he obviously remains an FPR driver long-term, we know he will be in good hands with Dick, Steve and the team”.

Johnson affirmed Tim Edwards’ summation of the deal, and explained the interests of his own team.
“We have made this change to our driver line up quite early in the season, but we know Chaz will be a great partner to Tim and the added input from FPR is the right move for DJR. Make no doubt about it; Jonny Reid is a very talented driver. In hindsight, it may have been better to run him through a season in the Dunlop Series, but I have no doubt he will emerge again in this championship.”

Chaz Mostert was born in Melbourne; however he currently resides in Queensland. The 21 year old first appeared in Formula Ford in 2008. He continued in the category until the end of 2010, where he took the championship in dominating fashion having achieved no less than 14 wins out of a possible 22. Mostert also competed in his first Dunlop series race at Bathurst that year, immediately impressing after finishing 4th on debut.

In a team statement, Mostert expressed his delight at the opportunity to step up to the main V8 Supercar category, albeit slightly sooner than expected.

“I can’t believe I am getting the chance to make my main series debut as I hadn’t expected it this year, but Perth is a great place to debut as I really like racing there,” Mostert said.
“The whole thing is a bit surreal. I’ve been pretty speechless since I found out, though to stay in the Ford and FPR family network is special and to race for the iconic DJR is a dream”.
“There will be so many things that I haven’t experienced before as the Championship series is the big time, but the biggest box I want to tick is to show that I am fast enough to belong. I want to learn as much as I can racing with the more established guys.”

Mostert will no longer fulfil his endurance commitments alongside FPR’s Alex Davison later in the year, and has been released from Matthew White Motorsport for the remainder of the 2013 Dunlop series.