Blanchard reveals Golding as Courtney replacement

In a silly season surprise, Blanchard Racing Team has announced James Golding on a new multi-year deal, with the Victorian replacing the retiring James Courtney.

Golding, who announced his split with PremiAir Racing on Wednesday, will fill the seat vacated by 2010 Supercars champion Courtney from the beginning of the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship season.

Melbourne-based BRT has made strides since its debut as a single-car squad in 2021, with Courtney finally ending the team's podium drought in Perth in May.

Golding himself proved key to PremiAir's hopes, scoring the team's first pole position and podium last season en route to a standout seventh in the championship.

News of Golding's exit and BRT deal ensures PremiAir will have at least one driver change for 2026, amid suggestions the Peter Xiberras-owned team is set for a double change.

"I could see the direction the team is heading and it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of building that momentum," Golding said.

"BRT is a young team with big potential, and their ambitions align closely with my own. I had other options on the table, but this was the one that I can see success in.

"I’m looking forward to contributing to that journey and working together to achieve strong results.”

Golding becomes the sixth full-time driver for BRT in Supercars, following Courtney (2024-25), Tim Slade (2021-22), Todd Hazelwood (2023), Aaron Love (2024-25) and Aaron Cameron (2025). The team has yet to confirm whether Cameron will return in 2026, although the rising star recently said he will be pushing to be 'hard to sack' at end of the current campaign.

“We’re excited to welcome James to Blanchard Racing Team on a multi-year deal," said Tim Blanchard, BRT Team Principal and co-owner.

"He’s proven he has the pace and consistency to compete at the top level, and we believe he’s the right driver to take the team to the next level.

"Securing James gives us stability and a strong platform to continue building, and we’re looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel in 2026.”

Kate Harrington, BRT Team Manager, added: “James strikes that balance of experience, of youth and determination, and we’ve all seen the pace he can deliver.

"It’s given us the confidence to know he’s the right fit for where we’re heading as a team and that he shares our ambition. I believe he’s got a lot of potential to perform in this environment, and we can’t wait to get him in the car."

Golding sits 16th in the standings heading to the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 9-12.

2026 Repco Supercars Championship grid

As of Thursday September 25, 2025