Dick Johnson: The Autobiography

Australian sporting great Dick Johnson has revealed his battles to keep the famous Dick Johnson Racing name alive in a soon to be released autobiography that details his life.

Johnson revealed in today’s Sunday Telegraph how he lost more than $9 million, his lifesavings and much of his health due to a series of failed business deals and dodgy advice that began with the infamous Westpoint Collapse.

He revealed the pain of selling his beloved race cars, including ‘True Blue’ which was arguably one of the most revered race cars in the country and the one that saved his career 40 years ago.

"I lost nearly everything I owned," Johnson told The Sunday Telegraph.

"My house, my factory, my health and my famous cars. Even my dignity. I was conned out of $9.1 million."

Johnson said he still feels the pain of having to sell his race cars.

"They had to go," Johnson said. "I was broke and busted and left without a choice. It hurt then and it still hurts now. I am sure all this drama will eventually kill me.

"It may floor you to know I haven't drawn a wage from my business since 2008. Some people think I am a rich racing legend worth a fortune. But my wife and I have been living on less than $1500 a month.

“That covers food, bills and petrol. Sometimes I have enough to fly my wife (Jill) to races to watch our son Steve race. My only income comes from the factory space I rent to my team. I have nothing else. I lost it all in a dodgy deal."

Aside from the obvious low point Johnson’s autobiography covers his spectacular highs, childhood, early racing days, mateship and famous racing stable.

Ford legend Johnson did not get his break in motorsport until he was famously smashed out by a rock in the 1980 Bathurst 1000. But true to his never-say-die attitude, he went on to establish one of Australia's most successful V8 Supercar teams, amidst a dramatic career that, on many occasions, almost saw him lose his home, his team and even his life.

Through intimate revelations and blistering accounts of the motor racing industry, Johnson reveals the incredible strength and commitment it took to win three Bathurst titles and a record five Australian Touring Car Championships in a remarkable career spanning almost 50 years.Edited extract from Dick Johnson: The Autobiography of a True-blue Aussie Sporting Legend by Dick Johnson and James Phelps. Random House/rrp $34.95