In a dramatic about-face that has stunned the motorsport world, Supercars veteran James Courtney has scrapped his retirement plans, joking that his decision to continue racing is partly to avoid a second divorce.
From Retirement to Revival
The 45-year-old champion, who claimed the V8 Supercars title in 2010, had intended to conclude his two-decade career but has instead signed a surprising new deal with Team 18. Courtney has competed in 605 races throughout his distinguished career, yet felt unable to walk away at this juncture.
'I believed after 20 solid years in this sport that I was content to retire,' Courtney confessed. 'But I couldn't go cold turkey. I would've ended up in another divorce. I can't afford another one. I could barely afford the first one.'
The Unfinished Business
The primary motivation behind Courtney's remarkable comeback is the pursuit of the one major accolade missing from his trophy cabinet: victory at the Bathurst 1000. Having begun his motorsport journey at just eight years old, the driver feels his work is incomplete.
'I have won the championship but I have not won Bathurst. It is the box that remains unticked,' he revealed. 'It is the holy grail of our sport and at the end of the day there was no way I could turn down an opportunity to continue in that ultimate quest.'
Life Beyond the Track
Courtney's personal life has undergone significant changes in recent years. His first marriage to Carys ended in 2018 after 16 years together, with the former couple sharing two children, Zara and Cadel.
The racing driver found love again with model Tegan Woodford, with their relationship beginning in April 2021. The couple eloped in September 2022 at a Brisbane registry office in an intimate ceremony attended by their children and parents.
Their family has since expanded with the arrival of son Kobe in October 2022 and daughter Opal in March of this year. Courtney previously garnered attention for his playful appearances in Woodford's social media posts, which led to good-natured ribbing from fellow drivers who nicknamed him 'The Handbag'.
As Courtney prepares for this unexpected new chapter in his racing career, his focus remains firmly fixed on conquering Mount Panorama and completing his remarkable Supercars legacy.
