The Johnson family name will be seeking to make headlines in the online world with the team set to enter the ARG eSport Cup.
As reported by motorsport.com and speedcafe.com, Steven Johnson and son Jett will team up in a single entry for the virtual series sporting the famous ‘Tru Blue’ colours of Steve’s father and five-time Australian Touring Car champion Dick Johnson.
The livery pays homage to Dick’s 1981 Bathurst-winning XD ‘Tru Blue’ Falcon.
Both Steve and 15-year-old son Jett have had their real-life racing programmes disrupted due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.
Now the duo will race in five rounds each against a full grid of competitors from TCR Australia, S500 and a host of other categories.
“I’ve certainly been on the simulator before and done plenty of online racing, but it has mainly been for fun. This will be something different,” said Steve ‘Jnr’ Johnson.
“I’ve used it as a tool to get together with friends like Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin and Lee Holdsworth, plus other guys who don’t race professionally but love to get in there and have a race.
“Usually, it’s good to get on, have a good laugh, and it also helps keep you race sharp. “If you treat sim racing seriously, you can get a lot out of it in items of race craft, racing in packs, hand-eye coordination – that’s what I find it good for.
“As a footy player, you can’t get online and practice your passing. It’s not really relevant, where motorsport is unique that we have these great tools.
“It’s not only beneficial for race drivers, but beneficial for the race fans. The simulators are so realistic now that its close to 80-90 per cent of exactly the same feel as what we do on the real track.
“You get an adenine rush, obviously not quite the same feel, but that’s still pretty cool. And to be able to do it from your own living room is amazing.”
Despite being paired in the same team as his son, Steve is excited for the inter-family rivalry, pointing out that he believes he currently has the speed over Jett.
“At this point, I reckon I have Jett covered for speed on the simulator,” he said.
“Recently we had a shootout and I still have him for pace, but the more he spends on it, the faster and closer he gets and it won’t be long until I can’t catch him.
“I think he stands to get a lot out of this competition.”
The ARG eSport Cup is slated to begin on April 2 with drivers to race Audi TCR cars around the Mount Panorama circuit.