Milestone Celebration for Brad Jones Racing at Australian Grand Prix

Brad Jones Racing will celebrate its 800th Supercars race this Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix, marking the milestone by renumbering Andre Heimgartner’s Toyota GR Supra to #800 for the occasion.

The R&J Batteries Toyota GR Supra, which normally carries the #8, will temporarily become car #800 in recognition of the team’s remarkable achievement.

Brad Jones Racing first entered the Supercars Championship in 2000 with a single AU Ford Falcon.

Across 26 seasons, the Albury-based team has competed in various eras and regulations, building a proud and enduring presence in Australian motorsport.

Today, BJR fields three Toyota GR Supras and was part of the manufacturer’s successful Championship debut in Sydney last month.

The milestone race carries added significance, with Brad Jones Racing securing its first Supercars victory at Albert Park.

Despite being a non-championship round, John Bowe won Race 2 in 2005.

Over its Supercars history, BJR has recorded 15 race wins, 19 pole positions and 83 podium finishes, cementing its status as one of the most established and respected teams on the grid.

Having celebrated 350 championship rounds and 25 years in Supercars last year, the 800-race milestone adds another chapter to the team’s history.

Brad Jones Racing becomes just the third team in the category to reach 800 races, a testament to its longevity, resilience and competitiveness.

Brad Jones Racing and team owner Brad Jones extend their sincere thanks to their valued partners, whose ongoing support has made this achievement possible, including Toyota for its continued commitment to the team’s future.

Sunday’s Race 7 is scheduled to start at 10:10am AEDT.

QUOTEBOARD

Brad Jones

Team owner, Brad Jones Racing

“When Kim and I BJR first entered Supercars, this number wasn’t even a blip on our radar. Last year we celebrated 350 rounds and 25 years in the sport. It’s honestly a little hard to believe, the years have just melted into each other over time.

“I have so many memories from the past 25 years. A couple of my all-time favourites as a driver would be Bathurst 2001 where John Cleland and I started 22nd and raced our way to 2nd. And 2002 would be another where John Bowe and I fought for the race lead early on but suffered a mechanical issue, its not often you feel like you have the fastest car at Bathurst and I thought we did that day. As a team owner it would probably be Jason Bright winning our second race in Supercars at Winton with JR on the podium, it was such a dominate performance. And Macauley winning the Super2 race at Bathurst, I was so proud of him and the team. In truth we have so many great drivers over the years that have created fond memories, I could write a list a mile long.

“What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built and the people who have found a home here. Many of our staff have relocated from outside Albury, making a real commitment to be part of this team. We have crew members who have been with us for a lot of these 800 races, that’s incredible to me.

“With the build of our GR Supras and how hectic our schedule has been over the past few months, it’s nice to take a moment to reflect on the crew’s dedication, work ethic and passion. It’s second to none in the pit lane.

“We also wouldn’t be here without our partners and sponsors, past and present. They’ve been the backbone of our racing program all these years. They’re the reason we get to do what we love and to have been doing it for so long.”