Jim Beam goes for experience.

The Dick Johnson-run Jim Beam Racing team has revealed the signing of Steve Owen and Warren Luff for the 2008 V8 Supercar endurance events later in the year.

The experienced pair will support regular drivers Steve Johnson and Will Davison for the races at Phillip Island and Bathurst as the team seeks to make its mark on the two big events, with team boss Johnson pleased to have his line-up secured early in the year.

"For Jim Beam Racing and Ford, it's great to get the guys organised early and up to speed," he said. "Having access to two such experienced guys is a real bonus, so we can take full advantage of the new co-driver sessions at races throughout this year and get both drivers fully comfortable with our Falcons.

"Jim Beam Racing will be fielding two very competitive entries in the long-distance races no matter what the final combinations are."

Jim Beam Racing's sporting director Adrian Burgess was equally impressed with the signing of Owen and Luff.

"We believe we have signed the two best drivers that aren't currently driving full time in the main game;" he said. "This will allow us to be flexible with our combinations when it comes time to decide on pairings for the endurance events."

Owen was a stand-out performer in V8 Supercar's 2007 season with a string of impressive results driving for a small budget team and has already tasted victory this season running in the Fujitsu Series in Adelaide just over a week ago.

"Dick's team came on strong in 2007 and show every sign of being an even stronger force in 2008, so I am delighted to be a part of it," he said. "Ultimately I want to break back into a full time drive in the main game, if that opportunity arises with DJR somewhere down the track that would be a great opportunity."

For Luff meanwhile, the long-distance drive marks a return to Johnson's team, for whom he drove during the 2004 season.

"Driving for Dick again feels a bit like coming home," he said. "It's a great team, the gear is good, I am very comfortable with the cars and the guys, and it's going to be a very positive experience."