The 500 club: Courtney to join exclusive group

This weekend’s Albert Park round will carry extra meaning for James Courtney.

The first race of the four-race Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 will be Courtney’s 500th start.

The 2010 champion will become just the ninth driver in ATCC/Supercars history to crack 500 starts.

He will also be one of seven former champions to have started 500 races.

The Tickford Racing driver made his debut in the 2005 enduros for the Holden Racing Team.

In 17 years since, Courtney has won 15 races, claimed four Bathurst podiums and a drivers’ title.

Courtney's last win, Adelaide 2016

His historic triumph in 2010 was Dick Johnson Racing’s first championship since 1995.

Courtney has a long way to go should he chase Craig Lowndes and Garth Tander’s impressive markers.

Lowndes and Tander are the only two drivers in ATCC/Supercars history to have started 600 races.

The veteran racers turned broadcasters are on 674 and 641 starts respectively.

Third all-time is Russell Ingall, who made a 588th race start at last year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Kelly brothers Rick (580 starts) and Todd (541) are joined by Jason Bright (578) and Jamie Whincup (554).

Mark Winterbottom is the only active driver to have made 500 or more starts.

Title triumph in 2010

Winterbottom made his debut in the 2003 enduros, two years before Courtney debuted for HRT.

The club will expand from nine to 11 in 2022; Will Davison and Lee Holdsworth are also in the frame to reach the milestone.

Davison is currently on 489 starts, and Holdsworth 481.

Holdsworth passed Mark Skaife’s 479 starts in Tasmania last month.

Tickford also has plans to celebrate Courtney’s 500th start this weekend, which will be unveiled on Thursday.

Cars will hit Albert Park for Practice 1 on Thursday morning.

Most ATCC/Supercars race starts*

*Correct to NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint