It was announced today, at the official launch for the Ford Performance Racing team, that Dean will be joining them for the two endurance races of the V8 Supercar series.

Dean is very happy about joining the team and had this to say: “FPR are a very strong and professional team who have had plenty of success in previous years in the V8 Supercar series. I am very excited to be a part of the team and look forward to working with them throughout the year.

This year brings a new rule to the V8 series regarding endurance drivers. At the Eastern Creek, Sandown, Queensland Raceway and Winton rounds, the endurance drivers will be able to participate in the Friday practice session. “The new ruling with Friday practice sessions means that I will be able to get extra time in the car so by September I will be pumped and ready to go.”

It was also announced at the launch that Luke Youlden will be the other endurance driver for the team. “At this stage it has not been decided who will drive with who but Mark, Steven & Luke are all very talented drivers and it will be a pleasure to drive with any of them.”

Also new this year is the first of the two endurance rounds will be held at Phillip Island instead of the usual Sandown Raceway. The L&H 500 at Phillip Island is on September 12th - 14th with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 9th - 12th.