Courtney/Randle pairing a Bathurst 'dark horse'

James Courtney believes his pairing with Thomas Randle makes them a "dark horse" for Great Race success.

Courtney will combine with the 2020 Dunlop Super2 champion for this weekend's Repco Bathurst 1000.

Tickford Racing is already on the money in Bathurst, with Courtney fourth behind session-topping teammate Cameron Waters.

Courtney, the 2010 series champion, is making his 16th Bathurst start, and Randle his third.

Randle, who unveiled his 2022 livery on Thursday morning, impressed to ninth on debut with Tickford with Lee Holdsworth in 2019.

25-year-old Randle has impressed in his 2021 wildcard appearances, recording a top 10 result in the Darwin opener in June.

Courtney, who recorded a surprise podium in the third Sydney event, is confident in his and Randle's chances.

“Tom has had a great campaign the last couple of years and he's done a great job with the wildcards this year with our team,” Courtney explained aid.

“He's already been signed for a full time drive next year, so he's a he's a good rising talent.

“I'm pretty confident in his ability, we're both quite similar in height and the driving position, he just jumps in and we take off.

“I think we're a little bit of a dark horse package in the strength of our pairing, and I think we could be a quiet achiever over the weekend.”

Supercars will return to the track on Thursday for Additional Drivers only Practice 2 at 4:25pm AEDT. Click here to view the track schedule.

Randle will take to the Boost Ford for the first time, with Courtney doing all the running in Practice 1.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 503) and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will provide live free to air coverage of the event. Tickets for the event are on sale now.