![\"\u2018A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/James-Courtney-BRT.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJames Courtney on the podium at Wanneroo. Image: InSyde Media<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJames Courtney on the podium at Wanneroo. Image: InSyde Media<\/p>\n
The 45-year-old veteran\u2019s retirement has already been somewhat complicated, having \u201caccidentally\u201d announced midway through 2024 a plan to stop at the end of 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n Courtney confirmed ahead of this season that it will be his last, starting a retirement tour that will bring the curtain down on a 20-year stint as a full-time Supercars driver.<\/p>\n However, those subsequently asking him to reconsider have included BRT boss Tim Blanchard, with Courtney\u2019s mix of speed and commercial savvy ensuring he is still a prized asset.<\/p>\n \u201cMy time as a full-time driver is done,\u201d Courtney told Speedcafe ahead of opening practice at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend.<\/p>\n \u201cTim had a bit of wishful thinking asking me all those times, but I\u2019m done. You can scratch me off the maybes list, it\u2019s a hard no.\u201d<\/p>\n Supercars silly season surprises looming<\/a><\/p>\n Asked if it\u2019s flattering to still be in demand, Courtney said: \u201cIt\u2019s much better going out with people wanting you to drive.<\/p>\n \t\tWin a trip to the Adelaide 500 for you and 4 friends \ud83d\udc49: FREE ENTRY<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just Tim that offered to do something next year, there were a couple of other offers to do things full-time.<\/p>\n \u201cBut for me, like I\u2019ve said, I wanted it to be on my terms.<\/p>\n \u201c[Mark] Winterbottom, [Lee] Holdsworth, Garth [Tander], now you\u2019re seeing with [Nick] Percat as well<\/a>, to have someone else decide the end of your career after such a long time is pretty sad.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy with the decision I\u2019ve made.\u201d<\/p>\n