Courtney keen for Holdsworth reunion

Two benefits of James Courtney’s high-profile move to Tickford Racing are a reunion with former teammate Lee Holdsworth and a chance to prove he’s driving better than ever.

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Courtney scored the plum drive at Tickford after Boost Mobile stepped up to fund the satellite fourth car that had fielded Will Davison until 23Red Racing announced its closing last month.

It’s the 39-year-old’s first Ford drive since he won the 2010 championship for Dick Johnson Racing and should provide him with a chance to be a regular frontrunner soon enough.

Asked if he could achieve similar things to his 2010 campaign given the right kind of equipment, Courtney was adamant.

“I firmly believe I’m a much better, more rounded person and package and driver than I was back then,” he told Supercars.com.

“So given the right opportunity and what this looks like to be, for sure I can kick the goals that I was back then and do better.

“Jamie [Whincup] hasn’t changed, he’s still doing all the same stuff he was 10 years ago with the same things and the same car and the same level of performance. He’s doing it; I can do it.”

After spending recent seasons in a two-car set-up, Courtney now returns to the four-car model that he had experienced at times during his Walkinshaw days.

It was during that time Courtney worked alongside Holdsworth, who in 2015 drove for Charlie Schwerkolt Racing when it was a Walkinshaw customer team.

“It’s interesting to go back to such a bigger group,” said Courtney.

“Obviously the last group that I was in, Lee was a part of that as well, so to be partnering in the same garage as Holdsworth is awesome.

“He’s one of the guys that if we’re all in a room and are standing around, he’s one of the blokes that I will sort of naturally gravitate towards and talk to.

“So it’s good that we’re in the garage together.”

Courtney and Holdsworth will share one garage, with the team’s younger talents Cameron Waters and Jack Le Brocq in the other garage.

“It’s a good group of blokes and everyone seems pretty passionate and motivated,” Courtney added.

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will resume on June 27-28 at Sydney Motorsport Park.