My second time at the Mecca of Australian motor sport, Bathurst was as a 11 year old boy in tow with my Dad, Dad was a Valiant man that had turned to Ford after there demise. DJR filled that void brilliantly. I vaguelly remember the Day, but, was there that day. Dad new something was wrong when the Queenslander hadn't past us at Murrays Corner. Today the signifigance to me is through all of the dramas, I was there. DJR's underdog methodology tippifies the Aussie way of life. Here's to the Next 30 years with mine and my sons support.

I was 16 and watching the race on TV with my dad, as we always did. I have two blue oval eyes and thank my father for that. When the race started and the mighty Tru-Blue left the rest of them behind, I was going nuts. Then the commentators announced that Dick had hit a rock and was out of the race. I was gutted. Dad was speechless and we just looked at each other in silent disbelief. It was a very memorable moment. One I still remember clearly.

I didnt realise at the time what it all meant as i was only 6. After learning the real story years later it only made Dick more of a legend in my eyes

I was devastated to see what happened when you hit the rock Dick. After your awesome start and that clevo just sounding soooo sweet, the whole car looking like you could drive it hard all week, it was bulletproof, but apparently not rock pr...oof! I was 14 when it happened and cried my eyes out, but even more so when people started donating money, it was amazing.
I was fortunate enough to get the tour through your workshop at the start of August and you must be so proud of what you have achieved. well done Dick and team, here's to another 30 years!

It was the first and last time I ever saw my father cry.

I was completely,utterly heartbroken. For Dick to come back and win the next year ... words can't explain how much that meant to me.

‎1980....the rock....well the Australian public would do the same today DJ.....they gave $ they did'nt have - to a 'independant aussie bloke'..i was only 11years old - though remembered the great start - and the huge 'legs' that you leaped ...away from the pack....well in hindsight...i think the same engine went on to win u the ATCC the following year!!
Happy 30th Dick & Jill and family....!! thanks for the effort / determination and who could forget the ..humour !!

Putting a lap on Brocky by lap 17 in 1980 - makes you stop & think what could have been had it not been for the rock incident. Could have the the 6 lap winning margin set the year before been broken? The way car car 17 was rocketing round the track for those 17 laps suggest it was on its way to possibly doing it. Endless thoughts & could haves enter my mind when thinking bout Bathurst 1980, but at least Bathurst 1981 makes up for it!

I saw it on the telly. I was a 10 year old one eyed Ford fan...distraught that Moffatt was finishing up with Ford (he drove a Holden at Sandown)& Morris was now driving a Falcon. I was so happy when you led the first part so easily and was just as gutted as everybody else when Dick crashed. I had no money to send after Bathurst. But i was so happy I had a new hero to support...this was a good thing for a growing boy

I was eight years old and only just starting to understand what motor racing was all about. Dad and I sat down at 10am to watch the start of the race. Dad felt he had a connection as out in the garage was our XD Fairmont Ghia 5.0L V8 which was blue. I remember 17 laps later dad was a bit upset about Dick striking the rock and ending his race after such a great start. I don't know how much mum and dad pledged to help Dick get back on track but dad was bloody happy in 81 when Dick won the race.

I was at home watching the race and absolutely wrapped with the way the race was going until the rock appeared then I just cried it disbelief, I was only 17 I have been a dick johnson fan ever since.

You are the tru blue rock star of australian motorsport congrats dick on the last 30 years and hope there are more fantastic days to come. craig perl

first of all dick thanks to all concerned in creating this mimi website! and allowing fans to share their memories and feelings.
i like many others were absolutely stoked when you shot off into the distance on that day at bathurst and then equally shattered when we seen what had happened to you! and then came back in 81 to win the race(albeit a short race)
i now look back at the old picture of you standing next to evan green and the trolley with all the letters and cheques sent by the people of australia, in your monkey suit and i'm sure that you and jill would laugh too at the fashion of the day!
sincerely all the best for this years enduros and the teams future wellbeing!
regards marky mark & the funky bunch
p.s. thanks to dick and jill for visiting our/tony hawton's bathurst paddock campsites back in 2008 your presence was appreicated by all!

I was the age of nine in 1980 and was one of the millions glued to the TV as I have been every year as far back as I can remember.
I was shocked when I saw the footage of the accident. I call it this cause it makes me angry not to.
This is my first memory of selecting my own driver to follow after seeing Tru Blu and Dick at Amaroo Park. I have followed Dick and DJR ever since and saving up to visit the Race Factory. Keep up the great work hope to visit very soon.

I was only a little fella of 8 watching the race at home with Mum & Dad, & still remember them discussing the public trying to get you money to get the car back together.
As a QLD kid having the map of QLD on the roof meant I had no choice but to go for you. 30 Years on & nothing has changed. Best of luck in the future

As a Kiwi I watched the race for the first time live in 1980. I began the race cheering for Brock (as I did for many years to come) but to see any competitor taken out by the actions of a fool in the manner Dick was something that stunned me! Who was crowned winner after that was largely irrelevant...to me the winner was left at the top of the mountain with a broken car!

I was at the mountain that fateful day as I have been every year since 1977. We were at the start finish line after having come down from the top to watch the start up until the first round of pitstops . To say I was gutted would be the understatement of the century . A whole gammut of emotions ran through my body , anger , disbelief , numbness . I felt such an emptiness inside me it was palpable . I felt for Dick and Jill and felt so impotent to do anything . Dick was highballing out in front and substantially in front and although nothing is over until it is over he had broken Brocks back that early , suggesting he could have buttoned off later in the race to save the car . I firmly believe that was his race for the taking that year . It was little compensation but poetic justice he went on to win it the following year . This harks back to an era lost forever in what we now jokingly call a sport . I can vivdly remember going down to Clancy Motors and actually seeing Dick working on his cars himself . God I hope a DJR car is on the top step of the podium this year and also on the second and third step to if thats not too much to ask .

I was only 8 years old when that day was etched in my memory forever.I have since had plenty of FORDS including 3 XD'S which iv'e still got. Dick was & still is a Aussie motor racing icon that will be around for long time yet. My wife still talks about him to this day & i have to agree with her when she says that she loves DICK aswell.

A die hard Ford fan, shocked and devestated like most people. I couldn,t believe what I saw,one moment swinging high with the imminent prospect of a Bathurst win, the next swallowed by the depths of despair as reflected by Dick's own response. But Phoenix rose from the ashes and what a triumph to come back the next year and win, with Dick dignifying his contributors so publicly.As a ($30? ) donor also, we all felt hurt in 80 but victorious in 81.

I WAS 12 YRS OLD WATCHING THE TV AT HOME WITH MY DAD AND MY UNCLES. I CRIED WHEN YOU HIT THE ROCK AND HAVE BEEN A DJR FAN EVER SINCE. I WAS BLOWN AWAY WITH THE SUPPORT THAT ALL QLDERS SHOWED THAT DAY I GAVE MY DAD MY POCKET MONEY TO SEND YOU AND THE TEAM I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW MUCH IT WAS BUT I HOPED IT HELPED.

As a Queenslander, Dick had my support as soon as saw the big blue Falcon hardtop thundering around Lakeside and Surfers. I nearly gave up watching motorsport on the day of the rock. I'm glad i didn't as i would have missed all the great moments that DJR achieved. Dick Johnson is a living legend. Long live DJR

" The Rock" is my first real memory of Bathurst. I was 5 years old watching it on TV by myself as my Dad was at Bathurst (worked with Jim Keogh I think up until that year.)I remember him coming home devistated. Cant remember too much more and as Dad is no longer with us, I cant find out what we donated, but I do remember sending a donation in and a letter that I wrote. From that Day I have followed your team and still do today along with my 7 year old son. Love ya Dick, Thanks for all the great memories

well dick i was watching 1980 bathurst as i do every year and allwayd go for djr when u hit the rock wow i just could not beleave what i was seeing my gut felt bad for ya for all the ford fans and i tell ya i had tears in my eyes i thort the day was over i lost interest in bath after that and the pain i saw in your eyes made it worse for me i have it on vcr tape as i tape bath every year anyway m8 i still surport djr to this day and allways will injoy the read

Yes I was watching the great race on tv on that fateful day and was totally blown away by the fact that the coverage showed you on one side of the hill flat stick and on the other side of the hill battered and broken by a lump of rock. I being a true Ford supporter and still am was totally awestruck that this could happen during our biggest car race of the year. I was livid at the thought of someone doing this and I was sharing your tears during your interview. I along with many donated what few bucks we could send and I am proud to see that we made a good choice to support a fellow Ozzie Battler that has become an icon in motor sport that we admire and respect. It took some years but I have a 1/18th model of the car with "rock" that you so happily with "memories" signed for me. Congratulations and accolades go to you Dick and your team for the showing the determination and perseverence for the last 30 years for the love of the kind of motor racing we Ozzies just love to see.

I was only 7 years old back then, I remember watching some of the race with Dad, but being a kid & expected to sit and watch Bathurst all day was a little bit too much! So I was playing in the neighbours sand pit when the accident happened & someone came racing outside to say you've got to check this out & as they say the rest in history.

30 years it seems like yesterday when we saw the car in the pits after the crash. but like so many true race fans we all supported dick even thow we are grm fans long live all who bring us so much joy at the only race that stops every thing..bathurst..thanks dick for all the memories..

Hey Dick. We lived at Parkes NSW and for years, we couldn't get TV coverage on the Race from our local TV station. So every October long weekend, we would get up on the roof and turn the aerial towards Wagga to pick up their transmission, which was very snowy.
I remember that day (I was 14) you were so far out in front, so early in the race and I was thinking, finally a Ford is winning.
We now live on the Gold Coast and have a kitchen cabinet business.
I met you in 1984 at Bathurst where you signed my copy of "The Unforgiving Minute" and again in 2008 at a "3 phones" corporate day at Kingston Park. It's great to see what you have built up.

I was 11 years old it the time of THE ROCK.The XD what a great looking car.It brings a tear to my eyes and it still does.I walked out of the living room and didnt want to watch the rest of the race.Dick was my hero and I still follow DJR today.Both my wife and i have been to 6 clipsals 2 Bathurst,perth and even to DJR workshop and it was well worth the trip from 1/2 way round australia(Whyalla)It show us fans get upset as much as the drivers & teams do.Keep up the good work .Lets a djr 123 at Bathurst.Goodluck.

hi dick good that people do remember my husband and myself met u in adelaide my hubby was going to get u to sign his au ford we remember thought it was the green ford the oerson who did that wants a good kick in the butt cheers mate ur a true ledgend and u have stuck to the fords hope james takes the championship ahead from those crapy holdens cheers to u julieanne .steve and the team GO FORDS will call in on u one day when up there cheers

I was 15 and at the track when the news that Dick had hit the rock i donated my last $15.00 i had on me i can still remeber the reaction. I have followed him ever since.

What a day, Brock already a lap down after an early tancle with a Gemini. Try Blu going gangbusters out front - then disbelief. I was just gutted. Following was the making of the DJR legend. Cheers, best wishes, the team is back on top. Go the Henry's

I was at home (back then living in Gosnells WA) watching the race, as I have done since 1975.
Being a Ford supporter and currently owning a 2003 Ford Escape, I watched with great enthusiasm as the True Blu #17 XD rocketed to the lead in 1980, only to have the wind taken out of my sails when I saw Dick parked across the track.
I was gutted like many others would have been at what had happened.
I rejoiced the following year 1981 when Dick returned in a new car and bltzed them again to win.
I have followed Dick every year since and am proud to be a foundation member of Team Mates

I was 14 years old watching on TV in the Bay Of Islands. SAD SAD SAD day even back then. God the MIGHTY DJR Team and the Blue Oval.

I've been deiving Fords since 1966 and have been a Dick Johnson fan ever since he took to the track. I haven't missed a Bathurst Race since it's inseption and have been in every car with Dick since then (the extra weight is probably why the Sierras failed) I was absolutly devestated 30 years ago when some moron end Dicks race in such a callous and idiotic way. I'm proud an honoured to feel part of the Dick Johnson legend by my small contribution following the "rock" incident. I've lived through all Dick's high and lows and am a committed long time fan and a foundation team mate member. Keep up the good work guys as I look forward to many more years of viewing enjoyment.

I was standing with mates right at the spot where Dick hit the rock, I didn't see the crash but heard the bang and saw the car come to a grinding halt. I recall Dick just sitting on the fence in shock. As a avid ford fan I was devastated because I was sick of the Holden's and Brock. My work had a whip around and sent some cash to help with the rebuild

I was holidaying on the GoldCoast with My family, I was 12 yrs old and was completely gutted when We saw the wreckage of #17. I have always been a Dick Johnson supporter. As a youngster I chose Dick as My role model, and to this day, (now 42) I use Dick's grit and determination as inspiration in My own endeavours. What a great Aussie, and a champion of a bloke Dick is. I was devistated at the time, however 30years on, I can't help but feel, the rock was a blessing in disguise.

I was 16 at the time watching it at home
Being the Ford man that I am I was enjoying watching the Tru Blu Falcon kick those commodore backsides
When the vision appeared of Dick's car sitting in the middle of the track after hitting that rock I was devestated so I can only imagine how Dick was feeling at the time

Forgive the pun but Rock on DJR tame those lion pussies at the Mountain

I was 12 and holidaying with my family at the Entrance N.S.W.
After watching the drama unfold I instantly had a hero in my life. I have never missed as Bathurst since.
As I was born in Lithgow (40 mins east of Bathurst) I got my Dad to take me around the track after we got home from holidays. I asked him to stop the car just outside the cutting where the skid marks were still fresh.
One of the marshals had placed a piece of the concert that was dislodged by Dick’s car back onto the safety barrier. I grabbed it and have cherished it ever since.
In 1999 whilst working at Ford - Broadmeadows, Dick came down after Bathurst as part of his farewell retirement duties. He signed the piece of concrete and thus has only made it even more precious. Thanks again Dick.

I was 12 and holidaying with my family at the Entrance N.S.W.
After watching the drama unfold I instantly had a hero in my life. I have never missed as Bathurst since.
As I was born in Lithgow (40 mins east of Bathurst) I got my Dad to take me around the track after we got home from holidays. I asked him to stop the car just outside the cutting where the skid marks were still fresh.
One of the marshals had placed a piece of the concrete that was dislodged by Dick’s car back onto the safety barrier. I grabbed it and have cherished it ever since.
In 1999 whilst working at Ford - Broadmeadows, Dick came down after Bathurst as part of his farewell retirement duties. He signed the piece of concrete and thus has only made it even more precious. Thanks again Dick.

I was 11 years old and my father had just brought a new XD falcon in 79 Dick was the only driver i new who was a battler just like most aussies. The day of the race i was up at 7am ready for along day, come the time of incident my heart sunk tears flowed. still to this day i support DJR.congrats Dick on what you have achieved over the years and lookm forward to shaking your hand at the next event. thanks

I was watching the event at home and when Dick lapped Brock on lap 17 I thought "How good's this?" Then the most amazing mishap ever captured on live TV unfolded. I often recall if Channel 7 weren't so Brock concious and had decided to follow the leader of the race at that time then we would have seen the accident and better understood that what Dick encountered was substantially more difficult to negotiate than what many others have claimed upon their arriving after the rock incident.

I remember sitting watching the race.Being a proud QUEENSLANDER and huge DICK JOHNSON fan my hopes and dreams were of a fairytail win. What a shock when he hit that rock.I couldnt beiieve what happened.The public outpouring of support was very uplifting.My early motorsport experience was when a mate purchased the last XU1 Dick ever drove.So i have just a small link to the legend.All the best for the future.

I was a school student when the incident occured. I wanted to donate money to Dick,but my mother wouln't let me, as she said it was a waste of money. So when I was older I joined the fan club and was a member until it folded. This was my way of contributing money that I could not do before.
Love you Dick.

Dear Dick,
i was one of the thousands that were watching from home on that horrific day. One from jubilation to devistation and the horror of the unknown. But that was 30 years ago and look at you and your team now. You are an inspiration to anyone who comes to a cross road in life and who needs to dig deep to find their innerself. You truely are a True Blue Aussie Champ. Well done and may it keep going for you, your families and your team. That day what i remember is the makings of a true man, and one with guts..

Dick, i was only 16 when you hit that bloody rock, i still rember that day very well, I have alway been a great beliver in you and your team,i have been to Bathurst 9 times now, and each time i get you signature on a program, well done for this year, we went to your dinner at the Hyde Hotel when you retiered back then, one of those great nights only toped by the birth of our 2 sons whom are FORD fans as well, keep up the good work mate, all the best for the future,go you good thing...

Was training greyhounds at kurri sunday left the trail track he was leading by miles. Got home just in time for Mike Raymond to tell Dick of public donations that was made in no small part of your abbilities to overcome depths of despair into reality. Go DJR

I wasn't born until 1988 but the footage of Mr Johnson's falcon sitting there with all of the damage after hitting the rock is heartbreaking. The fact that dick came back and won the next year, Made the story even sweeter. Its a credit not only to dick, but his team, his friends and family to have got a car back to race the next year and win. And also the public generosity along with edsel ford got dick back on top. You're a champion Dick.

I was a six year old boy sitting on dad's lap watching the race. The New QLD ford hero, Dick Johnson was a race 'we had to watch.' We were ford fans living in Ipswich. And then that moment happened. Dad and I had been cheering Dick and then it all went sour. We were as crushed as Dick was.
I grew up in a Houseing commission estate so we didn't have the money to give like others. But we were certainly thinking of him and wishing him well with the recovery from the incident.
Since that moment I vowed that I would make it to the mountain and meet you. I finally did last year and will again this year. All the best to the team in both 2011 and the future to come.
P.S. When does Jet intend to start in Car 18. LOL

my first year at mt panorama and since that day i have only missed 4 bathursts and have gone for dicky ever since thanks 4 the memories dick hope theres many more to come

Yep there I was in the Diggers Boozer, was in the Army. Having a few sherbets watching the great race on TV, Dickie was thundering around in the True Blue XD. Then the rock incident, at first I thought it was some disgrunted Holden fan rolled the rock on the track. The old Diggers Boozer erupted with the Ford and Johnson fans. Dick old mate you are still forging ahead, congrtulations on 30 years of excellent motor racing and looking forward to many more years.