“THE TERRITORIAN" set for Battery World Aussie Racing Cars series debut:
Rossi “The Territorian” Johnson will make his Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Series debut next weekend around Mount Panorama, joining the powerhouse team in Corish Motorsports, as he looks for more seat time, as has eyes set on Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes series title in 2026.
The 23-year old has raced a variety in his time, from GR Cup with Tekworkx, to V8 SuperUtes with Apogee, to now what will be his first race weekend behind the wheel of an Aussie Car, and no better place to kick off a series campaign then around the Mountain itself.
“I'm really excited to debut in the category with Corish Motorsports, we will have half a day at Sydney motorsport park to get used of the car” said Johnson.
“I’ll definitely be looking at onboard footage, broadcast and leaning on my teammates.
“Bathurst is one of the tracks I'm more comfortable at but you can never get complacent around the mountain, as there is no margin for error.”
Johnson heads to Bathurst coming off speed in the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte series, with two podiums & two T5’s after Round 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
It’ll be his first time racing a sequential car, coming out of 86’s & SuperUtes.
“I’ve only ever raced a h-pattern car, but I do have some sequential experience under my belt.
“I’m under no illusion just how different the aussie car is compared to everything I’ve ever driven.
“It does give me confidence knowing our last time at the mountain we were 4th in the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte Series.”
And though speed is something fans will see out of Rossi… how quickly he will find this speed, is going to be the deciding factor to his success around the Mountain next weekend.
“It’s going to be huge, that’s why my preparation is going to be so important to make the guess work as minimal as possible.
“Researching footage and previous races will allow me to know when I need to brake here… pick throttle up there… so it becomes robotic.”
As mentioned, Rossi will have the backing of Corish Motorsports for his debut weekend, also getting the chance to have a rip of the new Yamaha MTO9 engine.
He will line up alongside teammates in Diesel Thomas, Oscar Pedersen & team owners in Les Corish & Andrew Corish, for a weekend which will vacate plenty of learning for the five car team.
“I've always wanted to race an aussie car, I can't thank the Corish team enough.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with the Corish team so it’s going to be great to finally get the opportunity to race for them.
“They have proven they are a professional outfit in both Superbikes & Aussie Racing Cars so I think we will really gel as a team.”
“Being a rookie I’m going to lean on the team heavily.”
Upon Round 1, Johnson is focused on the championship in the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte series, but see’s next weekend as an opportunity to learn & grow.
“My goal is to race as many cars at as many events as possible, in my early career the lack of seat time didn't help fast track my progression.
“So over the last few years I’ve really focused on how I market myself… working hard to build partnerships that fuel my career.
“I have a pretty busy year with Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes, coaching, sponsor commitments & something yet to be revealed that I'm working really hard to put together.
“So I think we will take it round by round and see how we go, myself, Les & Andrew Corish have spoken… but let’s see how this year plays out.”
Rossi will also be bringing some eyes the paddock next weekend, as he sets out to do his fellow Territorians proud.
“I look forward to seeing everyone at Bathurst, representing my sponsors and representing the Territory.”
But will be setting the standards high, with hopes for a result next weekend.
“Any driver that says they don’t have expectations is lying to themselves.
“It’ll be a huge learning curve, but I will be looking for a result.
“As for a position, I’ll keep that to myself until Sunday…”
Johnson will take to mountain for practice next Friday morning, in hopes of kicking off a dominant debut weekend in Battery World Aussie Racing Cars.
LIVE from the screens of Fox Sports, Kayo, SBS & the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series YouTube page, from the 3rd – 5thApril as apart of the 2026 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour.
Proudly brought to you by Battery World Australia.
Jai Eccles
