James Courtney to make 21st Bathurst start in 2026
2010 champion joins David Reynolds, Team 18 for enduros
Courtney back behind the wheel at The Bend this weekend
It’s “easily” been his longest time out of the seat, but James Courtney is ready and raring to chase an elusive Bathurst win.
The 2010 Supercars champion will park the broadcast microphone for the next two rounds to partner David Reynolds for the enduros.
Courtney recently got a full day under his belt in Reynolds’ #20 Snowy River Caravans Camaro at Queensland Raceway, ahead of this weekend’s AirTouch 500 at The Bend.
It will be Courtney’s first race of any kind since the 2025 season finale in Adelaide last November.
”This has easily been the longest time I've never driven a race car,” Courtney said.
“It’s going to be pretty interesting when I jump back in for the first time. Hopefully it's just like an old pair of shoes, slide 'em on and off we go, but won't know until we jump in.
"I'm really, really looking forward to it. Through the early part of this year, I wasn't really missing the racing that much, but as it's gotten closer and closer, I'm getting more and more excited."
The Reynolds/Courtney line-up combines for over 1100 Supercars starts. Both drivers have unique senses of humour, but both have scores to settle with the Mountain.
Courtney, who has claimed four Bathurst podiums, believes Mountain specialist Reynolds, who finished second last year, “ticks all the boxes.”
“It's going to be plenty of laughs, that's for sure,” Courtney said.
"I'm pretty excited. He's won it previously. He's got so much experience. He's the oldest current full-time guy, so that's nice!
“But that sort of place, that's what you need: someone with a load of experience, someone who's very mature in their driving, and very comfortable, and are fast there.
"So he ticks all those boxes, and he's a good bloke to hang out with.”
Speaking upon the announcement of his Team 18 deal, Courtney maintained a Bathurst victory was the box he still needed to tick. Third in 2006, 2008 and 2019, and second in 2007, he has had his fair share of close calls in Bathurst.
After 20 previous failed attempts, Courtney boldly believes 2026 could finally be his year, saying: "I've been very close to getting a result there for so many years.
"We've been second and third, Jack [Perkins] and I were on for victories, but you know, engines go and all sorts of stuff, but that's Bathurst.
"It decides on Tuesday, I reckon, when everyone rolls in and comes over that Mountain, it works out who's going to win, and then we just live out the story.
“It hasn't been my time, but I've got a good feeling it could be this year."
The 2026 Ryco Enduro Cup commences at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, with three practice sessions kicking off track action on Friday.
