David Besnard looks set to switch endurance seats from Garry Rogers Motorsport to Dick Johnson Racing.
Besnard, one of the stand-out drivers in last year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 alongside Lee Holdsworth, is being linked to DJR to partner Steve Johnson in the #17 Jim Beam Racing Falcon FG at Phillip Island and Bathurst this year.
Besnard has driven for GRM’s Fujitsu Racing team in the past two endurance seasons.
Team owner Garry Rogers was quoted earlier this year that Besnard and Greg Ritter were both set to remain with his Holden organisation.
It seems, though, things have changed …
“I’m still waiting to talk to him,” Rogers told Speedcafe.com.au.
“I’d like to get it wrapped up as soon as possible. Phillip Island really isn’t too far away.
“I don’t think it is any secret that DJR has been speaking to him, but whether it’s fact or fiction, I don’t really know. At this stage, I need to speak to him about what we’re going to do.”
At last year’s Bathurst 1000, Besnard and Holdsworth were the only contenders that had the pace to challenge TeamVodafone until the entry was penalised for exceeding the pit lane speed limit late in the race.
Despite the gaffe, Rogers said he rates Besnard’s ability and would like to see him back.
“He’s fast. He is a very, very good driver,” Rogers said.
“But if we don’t have him, we’ll get someone better. It will be hard, but we’re not getting panicked about it.”
Dick Johnson Racing will test at Queensland Raceway this Thursday, and the team’s General Manager Glenn Turnor said that he is in the process of sealing his deal.
“We’re still finalising our endurance plans,” Turnor told Speedcafe.com.au.
“We want to have it all sorted by this time next week, but we’re still talking to a number of drivers for both the endurance round for the Phillip Island and Bathurst, plus the Gold Coast.”
Besnard could not be contacted by Speedcafe.com.au for comment.
