James Courtney V8 Supercars Webisodes Interview

James Courtney V8 Supercars Webisodes Interview

V8 Supercars has released the first in a three-part series of emotive, personal and never-before-seen webisodes titled 'A Home Grown Family".

Going behind the scenes with James Courtney, Todd and Rick Kelly and Triple Eight Red Bull Racing Australia, the series explores the dynamic of each of these family units, and introduces the partners, parents, children and teams behind these icons of the sport.

Similar to most Australians, the drivers of V8's believe their family is a natural extension of who they are. But who are they?

Through this three-part series, we lift the lid on the inner workings of the Triple Eight Red Bull Racing team and the sibling rivalry between Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup; the competitiveness between the real-life siblings, the Kelly Brothers; and we meet James Courtney's family – including his twin sister!

Join the team principal, mechanics, engineers, wives, brothers and children in this exclusive series, and experience the story of the V8 Supercars family like you've never seen before. V8 Supercars 'A Home Grown Family" features three individual webisodes including:

Part 1: The Courtney Family
Behind one of the most recognisable faces in V8 Supercars is the family that has helped him build his success.

We go into the Courtney family home with James, his wife Carys, mum and dad, and children, Zara and Cadel.

Being childhood sweethearts, James and Carys epitomise the value of family. Having followed James across the globe, Carys lifts the lid on how it feels to be married to a race car driver and her fears for James when he goes out onto the track.

But behind the constant travel and the risk every time he steps into his V8 Supercar, James and Carys also offer a rare glimpse into the fun and romance of life in the fast lane, hilariously admitting to enjoying each other's company in 'small doses".

Share the support, bond and love within the Courtney family unit, hear if James and Carys want Zara and Cadel to get into the sport, and how this young family represents the values and meaning of the broader V8 family.

Part 2: The Triple Eight Red Bull Racing Family
As one of the most renowned teams in the V8 Supercars Championship, Red Bull Racing is also one of the most successful brands in world motorsport.

In this webisode, we go under the bonnet and into the Triple Eight Red Bull Racing factory to experience the inner workings of the Triple Eight family, led by grandfather of the sport, Roland Dane.

Representing a different type of family dynamic within the broader V8 family, we talk to the drivers, mechanics and engineers about the healthy competitiveness between the two -brothers' of Red Bull – Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup.

And as the all knowing -dad' of the team, Roland Dane reveals the one -house rule' that the boys must abide by, and we get their exclusive predictions for who is going to take out this year's Bathurst 1000.

Part 3: The Kelly Brothers Family
Meet Todd and Rick Kelly, the real-life brothers within the V8 Supercars family.

Being incredibly close (inseparable some would say) both on and off the track, Todd and Rick invite Australia onto their rural family farm in Mildura to get a glimpse into the Kelly brotherhood.

These brothers find their rivalry reaches an all-time high when they're riding their motorbikes in the dunes of country Victoria, rather than on the track where you'd expect it.

In this webisode, Kelly Brother's fans will literally peer through the eyes of the brothers, via GoPro technology, while they're racing motorbikes, to experience how fierce the rivalry is. Racing together for the first time since starting up Kelly Racing, now Nissan Motorsport, uncover the competitiveness and unique characteristics of each brother, how they work together and live together, inviting Australia into one of motorsport's most unique sibling partnerships.

To watch V8 Supercars 'A Home Grown Family" visit www.v8supercars.com.au or www.youtube.com/v8supercarsofficial

Interview with James Courtney

Question: What inspired you to get your family involved in the new series of webisodes?

James Courtney: Opportunity to show my family off and let people see why I am proud of them and why I want to be the best at what I do perhaps? Also nice for audience to see we are not robots and real people working in a sport that can be pretty intense... actually always intense and exciting!


Question: Why was it important for you for Australians to get a look at the families behind the drivers of Australia's V8 Supercars?

James Courtney: It's not so much as important but as a part of me so it is nice that the audience get to see the picture behind the picture, if that makes sense!

Question: How did you feel watching back your webisodes?

James Courtney: Always nice hearing nice things said about you I suppose! Funny seeing my Dad and Mum and how confident they were before the camera was turned on and then realising its not as easy as it looks! They did it for me and that's special anyhow no matter what they said.


Question: Is it interesting to hear your wife's take on your career?

James Courtney: I guess it was interesting but again kind of funny as it is not something we discuss over a Indian take out!


Question: You've had some serious crashes, what keeps you returning to the track?

James Courtney: Its part of the job. I love this sport and of course you want to avoid an incident but sometimes these are unavoidable and part of racing. I have had much more success than crashes so as long as that outweighs I will keep on coming back.


Question: Where is your favourite place to race?

James Courtney: Bathurst - It really does have everything a race driver/fans/team would want plus I still need to conquer it!


Question: What's a typical day like, for you?
James Courtney: When not travelling which is the majority of the time it is: Train - Office/PR work - Social Media - Pick Daughter up from school - Train and then relax with the family.


Question: What are you currently preparing for?

James Courtney: Sydney 500 is a tough circuit and in the past very hot so a lot of training on the bike to prepare for the heat and endurance aspects. Weight training as it is a demanding circuit on the body. On a personal note preparing for Christmas and the Santa lists by saving every penny...!


Question: What inspired your love of V8 Supercars?

James Courtney: I came back to Australia to race in the V8 Supercars because it was no1. Home no2. Super competitive championship no3. It's always evolving and I want to be and I am proud to be a part of that.


Question: What advice do you have for others hoping to someday race V8 Supercars?

James Courtney: Have your dream, Set achievable goals and be realistic. Importantly surround yourself with positive people and intelligence within the industry. But most of all - relax and allow your ability to shine rather than your mouth.


Interview by Brooke Hunter