THERE is a certain pressure that comes with representing Dick Johnson Racing. Rylan Gray knows it, and he’s ready for it.

For the teen rookie, it’s the double-edged sword associated with graduating straight to a high-profile Supercars seat: with opportunity comes expectation.

“You get some pressure driving for DJR because it’s such a prestigious team, but I think you don’t really need to put any more or less stress on yourself,” he told V8 Sleuth.

“You go to the track and you’re racing a car the same as you’ve done throughout your whole career, but just on a higher level. It’s what I have done my whole life.

“I thrive under pressure. I don’t really get affected too much by it.”

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To Gray’s credit, he’s yet to show any signs of cracking under the spotlight.

He performed strongly on Super3 debut two years ago in Adelaide. He hasn’t skipped a beat since stepping up to Super2, becoming the youngest-ever round winner and now being on track to win the 2025 title. And he didn’t put a foot wrong in three main game wildcards for Tickford this year.

Beyond the chance to seal the second-tier crown later this month awaits a guarantee that he’ll be Brodie Kostecki’s 2026 teammate, replacing Will Davison.

“It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Gray.

“I sit here and think to myself that I’ll be driving there next year and it doesn’t really feel real. Once I get in with the team and meet everyone, then it will start to put everything into motion.

“But it’s a dream come true for me.

Rylan Gray. Pic: Mark Walker

“I think it has fast-tracked my progression to be honest, like I think this is only my fifth season of racing, so to make it into main game Supercars is very cool.”

Gray had been connected to all sorts of silly season openings, but the deeper into the year it got, the more it seemed possible he could be left standing when the music stopped.

Instead, a golden opportunity has arisen, with Gray inking a multi-year deal.

“It was definitely ideal to stay in the Ford family, but you don’t really get a choice in main game; either you go GM or Ford,” said the 18-year-old, who will relocate to the Gold Coast.

“I’m really lucky to be in the Ford family because pretty much my whole life has been with Ford.”