James Courtney Delivers Emotional First Podium for Blanchard Racing Team in Perth

In a poignant moment at the Bosch Power Tools Perth Super 440, James Courtney secured a historic first podium for the Blanchard Racing Team (BRT), marking a significant milestone in his final season in the Repco Supercars Championship. The 44-year-old veteran, driving the No. 7 Snowy River Caravans Ford Mustang, showcased strategic prowess and resilience to clinch third place in Race 16, bringing a wave of emotion to the team and fans alike .

Credit: Supercars.com

Courtney's journey to the podium was marked by a calculated strategy. Starting 13th on the grid, he extended his second tyre stint, anticipating a Safety Car intervention. His foresight paid off on lap 64 when Cooper Murray's engine failure prompted the Safety Car, allowing Courtney to make a timely pit stop and rejoin the race in fourth position. Capitalizing on fresher tyres, he executed a decisive move on Ryan Wood at Turn 6 during the restart, securing third place. He maintained this position to the finish, delivering BRT's inaugural Supercars podium.

The achievement was especially meaningful for Courtney, who expressed his emotions during the cool-down lap. "I'm not going to lie, I did cry on the in-lap," he admitted. "It's been a tough 18 months for these guys putting in so much work, and to be able to finally repay them with a result has been amazing." This podium not only signifies a personal triumph for Courtney but also a testament to BRT's perseverance through the challenges of the Gen3 era.

Team Principal Tim Blanchard acknowledged the significance of the result, stating, "We’ve had a fairly big three or four months and this weekend shows we can be competitive when we get things right." The podium finish serves as a morale booster for the team, highlighting the potential for future successes .

As Courtney approaches the conclusion of his illustrious career, this podium finish stands as a testament to his enduring talent and the culmination of years of dedication. With upcoming endurance races, including the Bathurst 1000, Courtney aims to build on this momentum, seeking to add more accolades before bidding farewell to full-time competition . This memorable performance not only cements Courtney's legacy but also marks a defining moment for the Blanchard Racing Team, signaling their emergence as a competitive force in the Supercars Championship.