Courtney not afraid to stir the pot in new career chapter
James Courtney Embraces “Pot-Stirring” Role in 2026 Supercars Broadcast Debut
After spending two decades battling for position on the track, 2010 Supercars champion James Courtney has traded his racing suit for a headset. Joining the Supercars broadcast team in 2026, Courtney is quickly making a name for himself not just as an analyst, but as a provocative voice willing to challenge the status quo of the paddock.
Courtney’s transition comes following a decorated professional career that spanned from 2006 to 2025. Now retired from full-time driving, he joins a powerhouse lineup of champions in the booth, including Mark Winterbottom, Craig Lowndes, and Garth Tander. For Courtney, the shift from the cockpit to the commentary box has provided a refreshing perspective on the sport he spent 20 years mastering.
“It’s particularly different being on the other side. As a driver, you don’t have to think, you’re just answering,” Courtney said. “I’ve enjoyed it, because you learn when you’ve got an opinion, you want to talk about it. It’s good to be on the other end and squeeze the information out of the boys.”
The former champion has wasted no time in establishing his edge, proving he is not afraid to deliver blunt assessments of current drivers. This approach recently sparked conversation during the Grand Prix, where Courtney questioned the performance of 2024 champion Will Brown, quipping that Brown was “dragging Triple Eight back.”
Despite the potential for friction, Courtney remains steadfast in his commitment to honest reporting. “We have a job to report on what we see… I’m not too bothered about upsetting people,” he noted. This willingness to “stir the pot” has added a dynamic new layer of tension and insight to the 2026 broadcasts.
Beyond the analysis, Courtney admits that the career change has allowed him to rediscover his passion for the sport from a different angle. He revealed that for much of his driving career, he tended to avoid the noise of the paddock to maintain his focus.
“I’ve become a race fan again. I spent the last 20 years hiding on the grid, not wanting to talk to anyone and trying to stay away from it all,” Courtney admitted. “But it’s actually pretty cool out on the grid. There’s good atmosphere. You can feel the energy. I’m loving it.”
By blending his deep technical knowledge with a fearless approach to commentary, Courtney is transforming his retirement into a high-energy second act that promises to keep both the drivers and the fans on their toes.
