Courtney marks special milestone with special number
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 7 August 2025
Queensland Raceway has been the scene of many special moments in the substantial career of James Courtney, so it is only fitting it is the scene of his 600th race this weekend.
In Saturday’s Race 23 Courtney will join Craig Lowndes, Garth Tander and Mark Winterbottom in the 600-race club.
To mark the milestone, Courtney will race the Ipswich Super440 with the #600 on his Mustang instead of his usual #7.
The Blanchard Racing Team driver has almost done it all, winning a stunning 2010 championship on the streets of Sydney with DJR.
Notable highlights of his storied career have taken place at Sydney Olympic Park in 2010, Adelaide in 2014, Abu Dhabi 2011, Gold Coast 2015 or Wanneroo 2025, but Queensland Raceway is arguably the most significant track.
Back in 2005 Courtney was an international open-wheel star, having tested with the Jaguar F1 team, but was an unknown quantity in V8 Supercars.
The “Paperclip” was where he drove a V8 for the first time, testing a Holden Racing Team VZ Commodore in a session that paved the way for his breakthrough enduro drive with Jim Richards.
Three years later Courtney was an entrenched rising star and entrusted by Stone Brothers Racing to replace Marcos Ambrose as a rookie in 2006.
He had stood on the podium 14 times across his first 90 races, but he finally broke through when he arrived in 2008.
Ipswich was also the scene where Courtney sparked his run to the 2010 title, picking up the first two of five race wins.
Now he will start his 600th there and he cannot believe it.
“It is huge,” Courtney said.
“This is the first place I ever drove a Supercar, so to come here for my 600th race living an hour down the road is special.
“I did not think I would even make six races, let alone 600.
“It is quite unique and humbling.
“I remember the first time Frank the Tank came out,” he continued reflecting on his first race win.
“Winterbottom was pushing me pretty hard at the end and it seems liked yesterday, but also a lifetime ago.
“Beautiful to come back here because we have missed this event.
“It always draws a huge crowd. It is V8 Supercars heartland.”
The milestone comes at a good time for Courtney as he and BRT have found a much-needed burst of form since a breakthrough podium at Wanneroo.
“I feel I have never lost it. It is nice to have a burst of speed in my final year and see the results like third in Perth, fifth in Darwin and running really strongly at Townsville,” he said.
“It is nice to see the team growing and leave the team in better shape than when I arrived, which was the goal.
“It has been good to give back to Supercars.
“I have never had to work a day in my life, and it is quite surreal to be on the eve of my 600th race.”
The first Queensland Raceway round since 2019 will also be the last of the Sprint Cup and with the Finals race reaching a conclusion, Courtney is predicting drama.
“It will be chaotic being towards the end of the Sprint Cup with guys fighting to stay in the top 10,” he said.
“There may be carnage so hopefully we can pick up some free spots with guys pushing and barging.
“The fans come to see action and not us driving behind each other so we will all have the elbows out.
“There are a few key overtaking opportunities around here which promote good racing and a short pit lane strategically.”
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