Paragon campaign abandoned; McLean to DJR
6/9/2001 21:07 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Paragon Motorsport’s legal woes have robbed the team of a start in next month’s V8 Supercar 1000 at Bathurst, but not its driver Cameron McLean, who’ll rejoin Dick Johnson Racing for the event.
McLean will share the number 18 Shell Helix Falcon with Greg Ritter in the race, DJR surprisingly announced today.
He replaces three-time Formula Holden champion Paul Stokell, who drove with Ritter at the Queensland 500.
McLean’s Paragon Motorsport is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with naming-rights sponsor, Greenfield Mowers.
An injunction that prevented the team from starting in the Queensland 500 has since been lifted, but the unresolved matter will again thwart the team’s endurance campaign. Paragon Motorsport have refused to comment on the matter.
33-year-old McLean drove for Dick Johnson at Bathurst last year, finishing fourth with Steven Johnson.
"We were always keen to have him back, but respected his desire to run his own program if he could," Johnson Snr. said. "Now that the opportunity has presented itself, we are very pleased to have him on board again."
Of Stokell’s demise, Johnson only said; "The V8 Supercar category is so competitive now that it is vital to mount the strongest possible challenge at an event like Bathurst, and that means having the very best drivers available.
"Making a change at this stage is unfortunate timing however that’s the reality of the sport today...we think Cameron and Greg will make an outstanding combination."
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