Courtney hints at ‘exciting’ 2024 development
James Courtney has revealed fans can expect an “exciting” announcement about his future in the coming days.
Speaking to media on the Monday prior to the 2023 Gold Coast 500 Courtney has revealed he expects his 2024 plans to be revealed before cars hit the track this Friday.
With Tickford downsizing from four to two cars and expected to retain Cameron Waters and Thomas Randle, both rookie Declan Fraser and the veteran in car #5 will be without a drive.
But for months rumours have suggested Courtney could find a new home at fellow Ford squad Blanchard Racing Team.
Tickford’s James Courtney addressing the media ahead of the Gold Coast 500. Image: Mark Horsburgh
BRT will be doubling in size in 2024, expanding from a single-car outfit to a two-car squad having fielded a wildcard at both Sandown and Bathurst.
In recent speculative 2024 grids, it has been widely regarded Courtney would land a BRT, leaving the second seat a fight between incumbent Todd Hazelwood and wildcard rookie and Super2 driver Aaron Love.
It appears one of those puzzle pieces may finally become a reality with Courtney hinting fans can expect some news before the action begins on Friday.
“Hopefully before the weekend we will be able to announce what is happening next year,” he said.
Tickford’s James Courtney leads BRT’s Todd Hazelwood at Sydney. Image: Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography
“I am loving my racing and do not want to give it up, so something exciting will happen over the next couple of days.”
A switch to BRT would be the sixth time Courtney has jumped seats in his long Supercars career.
After stints in Europe and Japan racing and testing Jaguar’s 2002 Formula 1 car, Courtney returned to Australia in 2005 to make his Supercars debut.
His first race was the Sandown 500 with legend Jim Richards in the #22 Holden Racing Team Commodore where they finished 11th, but they retired from that year’s Bathurst 1000.
Courtney stepped up to the main game and made his full-time debut in 2006 at Stone Brothers Racing and after regular podium visits he broke through to get his first win at Queensland Raceway in 2008.
The following year he switched to Dick Johnson Racing which led to championship success in 2010.
James Courtney on his way to victory at Winton in 2010. Image:mark Horsburgh
Courtney carried the #1 to the Holden Racing Team in a high-profile move and stayed at the Clayton based team all the way until 2018 when it was called Walkinshaw Andretti United.
The 2020 season proved to be a turbulent time as he started at the newly forced Team Sydney, but that relationship only lasted two races.
Following the shutdown of Will Davison’s 23 Red Racing crew, Courtney landed a drive at the vacant spot at Tickford and has remained there ever since, now racing the famous #5.
Over that time Courtney has enjoyed some success on the streets of Surfers Paradise, getting three podiums, plus a special win with Jack Perkins in 2015 in his first weekend back following the freak pit lane incident at Sydney Motorsport Park.
James Courtney driving on the Gold Coast last year. Image: mark Horsburgh
Courtney is looking forward to taking on the gruelling street circuit this weekend.
“It is always great being on the Gold Coast. Last year really turned it on and it is getting better and better each year,” he said.
“I have been fortunate enough to have plenty of success here in the past. Lots of trips to the podium and won here 2015.
“It was great to experience that. It was a day I will always remember and would like to replicate.”
Image Mark Horsburgh EDGE Photographics
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