Ryan Story retakes DJR team principal role

Ryan Story has been re-appointed as team principal as part of a restructuring of the Dick Johnson Racing team, which also sees the departure of long-standing race engineer Ludo Lacroix.

Story was at the helm of the team when it won three successive titles with Scott McLaughlin before standing down due to ill health – although he remained involved with the team as co-owner and non-executive chairman.

Now however, Story will retake control of the team as it bids to rebound from a tricky 2023 season that saw just one race win, with Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison down in eighth and tenth in the standings.

With Story back in charge, Ben Croke will revert to the role of team manager, with Lacroix’s departure resulting in changes to the engineering line-up.

Whilst Richard Harris will continue to engineer Davison, Perry Kapper will now look after De Pasquale, with Mark Fenning taking up the position of Director of Engineering.

“2023 was a challenging year for us and certainly not at the level we aspire to be,” DJR CEO David Noble said. “We have learnt an enormous amount this year not only about the cars but, in particular, about ourselves. We have spent time reviewing the year and considering change.

“We pay tribute to the enormous effort of our staff and particularly thank Ludo for his contribution over many years and respect his decision to step back.

“In welcoming back Ryan to the fold and to have the experience and depth of talent in Mark Fenning and Perry Kapper in our engineering department, we have begun our 2024 preparations in earnest.”

Story himself said he was delighted to be back into the role in which he enjoyed such success.

“Following a few years of health challenges, I’m delighted to return to the role of team principal,” he said.

“We have a strong foundation upon which to build, and this restructure is all about looking towards the future for the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

“Ludo will be sorely missed and we cannot thank him enough for his contribution to our successes over many years. 

“Mark and Perry in particular have led us through the Windshear program and redressing the imbalances that have faced us in 2023.

“I’m excited at the challenges ahead of us.”