Courtney Re-Signs With HRT

2010 V8 Supercars Champion James Courtney has renewed his contract with the Holden Racing Team for a further three years.

The deal was confirmed today at the Coates Hire Ipswich 360 and will see one of Australia’s most popular drivers staying in red until the end of 2016.

The new agreement will take his time with HRT out to six years, his longest partnership in racing.

Courtney is delighted with the contract extension, explaining HRT’s continuing improvements and popularity with the fans made it an easy decision to remain with the squad.

“Over the last three years I’ve built a great relationship with everyone at the Holden Racing Team, its loyal army of fans and Holden,” Courtney said. 

“We’re starting to get some good traction with the development of our new VF Commodores and to be able to continue with the team for another three years is fantastic.”

Walkinshaw Racing managing director Steve Hallam says he is looking forward to Courtney’s continued contributions to HRT’s development.

“James was our first choice, and we worked hard on a satisfactory arrangement for him to stay at HRT,” Hallam said.

“James has been a contributor to our development program and we were very keen for him to continue. I’m sure we will achieve more success with him behind the wheel of an HRT Commodore.

“James has a great working relationship with Garth Tander; their combined feedback is a valued asset as shown by our progress this year. James’ commitment to HRT demonstrates he has great faith in our program and future direction and will inspire every member of the team.”

Courtney’s manager Alan Gow says Courtney has developed a great relationship with the HRT crew since 2011.

“As James’ manager I have to look for the best opportunities for on-track success,” Gow said.

“James has built a great affinity with the team and it was logical for us to continue the relationship. 

Courtney made his V8 Supercars debut with HRT in 2005, finishing in the top 10 at the Sandown 500 alongside Jim Richards.

His full-time V8 Supercars career began the following year and has been highlighted by three podium finishes in Australia’s greatest race, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, and crowned by the 2010 V8 Supercars Championship.

He returned to HRT in 2011, immediately winning a race in Abu Dhabi, and was instrumental in the team’s crushing one-two finish at the recent Sucrogen Townsville 400.

Earlier today Courtney qualified third and seventh for this afternoon's two races. He sits ninth in the Championship points.