Courtney joins Tickford Racing

James Courtney’s return to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship has been confirmed, joining forces with Tickford Racing.

WATCH: COURTNEY ANNOUNCES NEW DEAL

Courtney and long-time backer Boost Mobile will step into the Mustang seat vacated by last week’s departure of 23Red Racing and its driver Will Davison.

It marks Courtney’s first time back in a Ford since winning the 2010 championship for Dick Johnson Racing.

“The last time I stepped out of a Ford I was champion, so stepping back in brings some good memories,” Courtney said.

“It does bring you some warm feelings. I’ve obviously had some great results with Ford and coming back brings back all those fond memories, hopefully we’ll create some more in the Boost Mobile Ford Mustang.”

Courtney had been on the sidelines since parting ways with Team Sydney following the Adelaide season-opener – but as it turns out, he won’t have missed a single race by the time he’s back on the grid at Sydney Motorsport Park next month.

“Given the way my last few months have gone, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” said the 39-year-old.

“From the end of February up until now my world’s been upside down and all over the place. To come out of that situation with this opportunity, I’m very happy.

“I see a lot potential in what we can achieve together and I’m looking forward to racing for Boost Mobile Racing and working alongside the incredibly talented team at Tickford Racing.

“Certainly it’s unfortunate what has happened with Will and 23Red.

“It’s a tough situation, but when one door closes another opens, and I’m just grateful that Boost Mobile have come onboard and tapped me to continue in growing and building Boost Mobile Racing.”

The Courtney-Tickford link-up has eventuated after coming close on several prior occasions, including for 2011 when he instead joined the Holden Racing Team.

“It’s funny, when Tim [Edwards, Tickford Racing boss] and I first spoke we joked that this is the fourth time we’ve tried to put a deal together, but I’m very happy that it’s all come off this time,” Courtney said.

Edwards added: “Speaking with James, he has the same confidence about him that won him a championship in 2010, and he has something to prove, which we like.

“It’s ironic, he beat us to that championship in 2010, and we thought we were going to sign him for the following year! So it’s all come full circle, we can’t wait to hit the track with James next month.”

Tickford becomes the fifth team of Courtney’s full-time career that begun in 2006 at Stone Brothers Racing.

Courtney will race with the #44 he used in his BP Supercars All Stars Eseries debut a fortnight ago, the number dating back to his time in karting.