Courtney entered for Bathurst

The first official entry list for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 has been released today with James Courtney entered as lead driver for car #22.

As expected, the Holden Racing Team has submitted Courtney to drive despite his five broken ribs, sustained after a freak accident at Sydney Motorsport Park last month.

Team boss Adrian Burgess told v8supercars.com.au HRT would give Courtney every chance to take his rightful place behind the wheel for the year's biggest race and would wait until the final cut-off to determine whether he was physically in a position to race or not.

Courtney said on the eve of Sandown focussing on a Bathurst return was keeping him positive throughout a painful recovery process.

His recovery is going smoothly, with no complications at this stage.

Jack Perkins is listed to co-drive with Courtney, after carrying out primary duties at Sydney Motorsport Park and the first enduro, the Wilson Security Sandown 500, earlier this month.

Russell Ingall paired with Perkins at Sandown, and the two-time Bathurst winner is prepared to put the helmet on again if required.They finished a respectable ninth in the 500km race earlier this month.