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COURTNEY SET TO RETURN, 23RED TO EXIT

James Courtney departs Team Sydney - Photo: InSyde Media

By Bruce Williams

James Courtney departs Team Sydney - Photo: InSyde Media

James Courtney set to return to Supercars grid – Photo: InSyde Media

James Courtney seems certain to return to the 2020 Australian Supercars championship in a Boost-sponsored Ford Mustang.

Courtney and Boost boss Peter Adderton are expected to take over the seat at Tickford Racing currently occupied by 23Red Racing and its driver Will Davison.

The owner of 23Red Phil Munday is expected to announce his withdrawal from the championship this afternoon.

That follows a decision by primary sponsor Milwaukee to end their deal because of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtney, the 2010 Supercars champion, started the season with Team Sydney but sensationally quit and took sponsor Adderton with him after the Adelaide 500 because of a financial dispute.

With Alex Premat no guarantee to be able to return to Australia for the long distance races, there is now every chance Davison will become Courtney’s Pirtek Enduro Cup co-driver in the car he started the year racing full-time.

Auto Action understands the deal between Tickford, Adderton and Courtney is very close to being completed.

Rumours of Munday’s departure from the sport have been circulating for some weeks. He has been a long-time backer of the sport and went from sponsor to owner of Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in 2018.

AA also understands the deal could be done without Adderton purchasing the 23Red Racing Entitlements Contract up-front.

Instead, the Boost Mustang might run under the existing arrangements for the remainder of the year, allowing Adderton and Munday time to agree a deal in an unhurried manner.

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