Reigning champion James Courtney gives the Austin Texas race the thumbs up.
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5:15 AM Fri 1 July, 2011
Source: BigPond Sport
(Click above to hear James Courtney's comments)
V8 Supercar Champion James Courtney and two-time champion Jamie Whincup have given the thumbs up to today’s announcement that V8 Supercars will race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas from 2013.
V8 Supercars will become the first Australian motorsport category to compete in a full Championship event in the United States.
Courtney has previously raced in the United States in karts and Super GT, and is good friends with several top stars of US motorsport, including IndyCar Series Champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti.
“It’s a huge opportunity for the drivers and the sport to showcase ourselves in America. It’s going to be a huge event for us and a great occasion for everyone,” said Courtney.
“There is a huge population in America and they love their motorsport. There is a huge following right through from karting right up to IndyCar and NASCAR. I think V8 Supercars are going to slot in there nicely.
“Texans definitely like everything big and loud and that’s exactly what V8 Supercars are. They are going to love the way we bash each other, getting sideways and smoking the tyres. I definitely think they will take to it with both hands and really get into it.”
(Click above to hear Jamie Whincup's comments)
Whincup has already visited the United States this year courtesy of team sponsor Komatsu, and has long expressed a desire to race there.
“I’ve always been a fan of more racing overseas. I’ve always wanted to experience the culture and comparing our motorsport to theirs,” said Whincup.
“I love America and have always wanted to race there. Now I can race my V8 Supercar in one of the greatest countries in the world. To race at high quality events and world-class tracks around the world I am all for.
“Americans love their sport, especially their NASCAR. I think they are going to enjoy our racing. Every time we race a new circuit there is always a massive sense of achievement and everyone wants their name on the trophy for the first time.”
