MEET DICK JOHNSON RACING’S NEW OWNER

THERE IS a new business powerhouse in the Supercars paddock, and it’s not short of sporting achievements.

Shell V-Power Racing Team today announced Brett Ralph and his family as the new majority shareholder, buying in under the Melbourne Aces banner.

Ralph’s Jet Couriers business has grown into a giant since its inception in 1996, with offices in all six Australian states and an international presence in Auckland, Dallas, Houston, New York and Philadelphia.

Notoriously private, Ralph has quietly set out to build a sports empire, including as chairman and owner of the Melbourne Aces, who have won the last two Australian Baseball League titles.

“The Melbourne Aces are a major player on the Australian sporting scene through their involvement in the Australian Baseball League over the past 13 years and are the current holders of the prestigious Claxton Shield, the second oldest trophy in Australian sport,” said Ralph.

“To be successful in sport today, all sporting organizations need to be run like one company and consider different investment opportunities.

“We know and understand the reach and appeal of the Repco Supercars Championship to sports fans in Australia and we are very excited to be a part of it.

“Dick Johnson Racing has a proud and rich history in the sport and is a perfect partner for the Melbourne Aces.”

In February 2020, Ralph and his brother Shaun were announced as 10 per cent owners of NRL club Melbourne Storm, a number that has risen to 20 per cent over time.

Storm chairman Bart Campbell then hailed the Ralphs’ staunch support, saying they “bring business acumen, a strong network and an understanding of professional sports through their investments in this space. More importantly, they are good people.”

Ralph is also a director of the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Melbourne United franchises, which compete in Suncorp Super Netball and the National Basketball League respectively.

He has now ventured deeper into motorsport, having already had a minor presence with Dick Johnson Racing.

That had come as a personal sponsorship of DJR star Anton De Pasquale, who sported the Jet Couriers logo on his helmet.

DJR CEO Ryan Story and founder Dick Johnson continue to own shares in the team, with Ralph joining them as co-owners.

The iconic Ford outfit last saw a change of ownership in late 2020 when Team Penske sold the 51 percent stake it had acquired six years earlier.