CONFIRMED: JAMES COURTNEY JOINS TICKFORD

Confirmed: James Courtney joins Tickford – Photo: Supplied

Former champion James Courtney has been confirmed to complete the remainder of the Supercars Championship at Tickford Racing with Boost backing.

By HEATH McALPINE

Since 23Red Racing confirmed its exit along with driver Will Davison last Friday, Courtney and Boost were immediately linked to the vacancy after splitting with the new Team Sydney organisation following a lacklustre weekend in Adelaide.

Courtney was previously mooted to join the team, then known as Ford Performance Racing in 2011. Instead he joined the Holden Racing Team where he enjoyed a long association before finishing with that organisation last season.

“It’s funny, when Tim (Edwards) and I first spoke we joked that this is the fourth time we’ve tried to put a deal together, but I’m very happy that it’s all come off this time,” Courtney said.

“Certainly, it’s unfortunate what has happened with Will and 23Red. It’s a tough situation, but when one door closes another opens, and I’m just grateful that Boost Mobile have come on board and tapped me to continue in growing and building Boost Mobile Racing.”

After splitting with Team Sydney post-Adelaide, Courtney was connected to a third Erebus Motorsport entry, but is excited to join the Blue Oval for the first time since his title winning season in 2010.

“Given the way my last few months have gone, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” Courtney said.

“From the end of February up until now my world’s been upside down and all over the place. To come out of that situation with this opportunity, I’m very happy. I see a lot potential in what we can achieve together and I’m looking forward to racing for Boost Mobile Racing and working alongside the incredibly talented team at Tickford Racing.”

“To get back into a Ford is exciting as well,” he continued. “The last time I stepped out of a Ford I was champion, so stepping back in brings some good memories. It does bring you some warm feelings, I’ve obviously had some great results with Ford and coming back brings back all those fond memories, hopefully we’ll create some more in the Boost Mobile Ford Mustang.

Tickford Racing CEO and team principal Tim Edwards is excited to welcome Courtney into the team and to maintain four entries in the 2020 Supercars Championship season.

We were certainly put into a difficult situation last week losing 23Red Racing, but the leadership team at Boost Mobile have come up big and we are very happy to welcome Boost Mobile Racing to the Tickford family,” Edwards said. “

“To have a champion of the sport in James and a brand with the profile and passion of Boost Mobile come on board, given the circumstances you couldn’t ask for a better outcome to the scenario we were faced with.

“Speaking with James, he has the same confidence about him that won him a championship in 2010, and he has something to prove, which we like.

“It’s ironic, he beat us to that championship in 2010, and we thought we were going to sign him for the following year! So it’s all come full circle, we can’t wait to hit the track with James next month.”

A controversial figure within the Supercars pit lane of recent times, Boost Mobile founder and chairman Peter Adderton continues his support within the championship and has encouraged other businesses to do likewise during these tough times.

“These are very uncertain time’s for sports in general and motorsport in particular,” he said. “In a sport traditionally funded by sponsors, it is more important than ever for brands to step up if they are able, not just for the future of the Supercars Championship but the teams and the people behind them.

“We were saddened to hear about 23Red Racing leaving the championship, Phil (Munday, 23Red Racing owner) has been an incredible asset to Supercars and his passion will be missed in the paddock, but he and his family will always have a home at Boost Mobile Racing.”

“I would also like to call on brands to get behind Australian sport in this trying time, even if it wasn’t in your original 2020 plans.

Edwards also paid tribute to 23Red Racing, its driver Will Davison and owner Phil Munday.

“We’d be remiss if we didn’t offer a massive thank you to Will, Phil, and the 23Red Racing program for their efforts the past two and a half years,” Edwards reflected.

“Unfortunately, things outside of their control forced them to make that tough decision, so while we are happy to have James and Boost Mobile come aboard, we are grateful to everyone at 23Red Racing for their time and effort.”

Round 2 at Sydney Motorsport Park on June 27-28 will be Courtney’s maiden outing in the Boost Mobile Ford Mustang.

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