DJR secures new V8 sponsorship for 2004.

Dick Johnson Racing has announced details of a sponsorship deal with the Accor Premi?re Vacation Club [APVC], which will see the might of the international hotel group on board for the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship Series.

The deal has evolved from team owner Dick Johnson's personal involvement with the APVC, which he joined in order to spend more time with his family, between his demanding schedule as owner of Dick Johnson Racing. Three times a Bathurst winner, Johnson has since become the official ambassador of APVC for 2004.

"I am very happy to be personally associated with this terrific family product," he said.

Johnson's role will include publicising his own experiences as an APVC member, and appearing in upcoming promotional campaigns targeted to race fans in general and to DJR fans in particular.

Naturally, Johnson is also delighted to have the sponsorship support of the Accor group, not just for his own team's benefit, but for motorsport generally.

"Finding a company that can recognise the investment value of motor racing is fantastic; both for us and the sport as a whole," he said.

Accor Premi?re Vacation Club, Australia's first branded holiday ownership organisation, is a joint venture between AAPC Asia Pacific, and the Becton Group. AAPC Asia Pacific is part of Accor SA, the world's largest hotel and tourism group, with 4000 hotels and resorts in 95 countries under the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis, Formule 1, and Coralia brands.

Marty Kandel, CEO of APVC said he was thrilled to have Dick Johnson as the face of Accor Premi?re Vacation Club.

"APVC is privileged to work closely with Dick Johnson and his race team," Kandel said, "Dick is the perfect choice to be our representative throughout Australia. He is a family man, a true Australian icon, and a man known for his dedication, honesty and integrity.

"We definitely have a lot to offer each other, and hope that this will be the beginning of a long and happy relationship."