Courtney ready to take back the Island

The Holden Racing Team's James Courtney says next weekend's Plus Fitness Phillip Island 400 is unfinished business, with last year's shock crash and injuries at the circuitcutting his weekend - and season - short.

Courtney - who missed the final round in Sydney after his crash with Alex Premat left him sidelined with a fractured tibia and torn quad muscle - remembers the moment well.

"It was a heavy crash, with Alex's car suffering a tyre puncture and then hitting my HRT Commodore with full force at the Turn 4 hairpin," Courtney said.

"It didn't scare me, though. It is an integral part of what we do as racing drivers; we all accept the risk that these things can happen.

"I certainly appreciated Alex helping me out of the Commodore, and it was that point when everyone could see that I was ok."

The 2010 V8 Supercars Champion was replaced for the final round by Bathurst-winning rookie Nick Percat, with Courtney's focus on recovery before the start of this season.

"I was out of action for a few months over the Christmas break, and my recovery involved a lot of rest," Courtney said.

"I was on crutches and had to wear a brace on my leg. It was pretty annoying, but I think it was at least a good time of year for it to happen. If it had have been mid-season, it would have been far more frustrating.

"Obviously I was fully recovered before the start of this season, and I proved that by winning the first event, the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, again in Ipswich, and also with a number of podiums in between."

Naturally, Courtney is looking forward to a clean race weekend this time around.

"Returning to Phillip Island is a great chance to finally put it all behind me - and take a shot at HRT's fourth win for the season."

"I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of the #22 HRT Commodore and give it a red-hot go."

The Plus Fitness Phillip Island 400 is held from November 14-16, with tickets still available.