Jim Beam Racing's James Courtney celebrates becoming the new V8 Supercar Champion at the Sydney Telstra 500.
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By Briar Gunther 2:58 PM Mon 6 December, 2010
Source: BigPond Sport
Newly crowned 2010 V8 Supercar Champion, James Courtney, was relieved the season was finally over.
“I didn’t think it was going to end,” the Jim Beam Racing driver said.
“It just kept going and going with dramas and twists and turns and I’m just unbelievably relieved it’s over actually.”
Courtney described how difficult it was for him to circulate to ensure he secured the Championship rather than give it his all in the Sunday race at the Sydney Telstra 500.
“It actually felt harder to just roll around and stay out of trouble than actual racing because when you’re racing you’re pushing 100 per cent, you’re focused the whole time,” he said.
“But when you’re not pushing as hard you start to think about what’s going on and wonder where Jamie (Whincup) is, talking with the guys on the radio you’re concentration goes away and with the Championship on the line too it was a pretty crazy day.”
Courtney successfully held back the tears as he said how happy he was to repay team owner Dick Johnson and the crew with a Championship.
“They’re an amazing bunch of guys who have worked their arses off and to be able to repay them and see the emotion and what a tight bunch we are, it’s really good,” he said.
Team owner Dick Johnson, who was also on the verge of tears, said he was proud of the entire team which has gone through a lot of internal struggle in the latter half of the year.
“Just prior to today’s race James came up to me, looked me in the eye and said ‘Dick ... I just want to say thank you’,” Johnson said.
“When someone comes up to you with such sincerity and honesty it makes the whole journey a whole much more worthwhile.”
Johnson was also proud of rookie Jonathon Webb, who had his maiden race win on Saturday.
“(He) really showed the world he could match it with the frontrunners on the circuit,” he said.
“Jonny's race win was impressive to say the least. All I can say is ‘watch this space’ in the future, as like someone else I have followed, Jon has the potential to be a great V8 Supercar Champion.”
Johnson’s pride also extended to his son, Steven, who finished fourth in both races and collected the second highest amount of points at the Sydney Telstra 500.
“To finish the year in 10th position (in the Championship) is another win for The Team.
“With a weekend of tough racing, Steven took on the challenge and did some of his best driving,” Johnson enthused.
