Hot Wheels deal for Courtney

Walkinshaw Andretti United’s James Courtney will carry backing from iconic toy brand Hot Wheels this season.

Hot Wheels Car Care Products, which is produced under license from global toy giant Matel, has partnered with the 2010 Supercars champion as it moves into the Australian market.

Hot Wheels takes over the role of helmet backer for Courtney, who 12 months ago introduced Boost Mobile, which went on take primary sponsorship with the team.

Founder of Hot Wheels Car Care Products, Dan Pikarsky, says Supercars is a strong fit for the brand.

“Joining forces with James Courtney is an awesome way to launch this brand into Australia,” he said.

“The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship is the perfect platform for us to reach our target audience – families with strong automotive passion.

“The international profile of James, along with his youthfulness and zest for life fits well with the Hot Wheels Car Care Products brand.”

Added Courtney: “It’s a great partnership, these guys have come to the Australian market with a heap of knowledge from what they do in the US.

“They have recognised how good a platform motorsport and especially Supercars is as a family sport.”

Courtney has raced full-time in Supercars since 2006 and is entering his eighth season with the Clayton-based Holden team.

He finished a disastrous 2017 campaign 21st in points, but has renewed optimism following Walkinshaw Racing’s deal with new partners Andretti Autosport and United Autosports.

Michael Andretti will attend this weekend’s Adelaide 500, having also visited Bathurst last October to announce the deal.

Adelaide is traditionally a strong circuit for Courtney, winning a race at the venue in 2014, ’15 and ’16, before scoring a third last year, which was his best result of the ’17 season.