James Courtney will leave Tickford at the end of 2023

James Courtney, the 2010 champion, is set to depart Tickford Racing by the end of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship, the team disclosed.

Tickford's official statement highlighted a mutual agreement for Courtney to venture into new horizons next season. Buzzes around the pit lane suggest that Courtney is most likely to secure a slot with Blanchard Racing Team, which is gearing up to introduce two cars in the coming season.

The revelation comes shortly after Courtney hinted to the press in Gold Coast about an impending "exciting" disclosure regarding his career trajectory.

This transition has emerged amidst significant shifts within Tickford Racing. Notably, the team announced a reduction from its current fleet to two cars for the 2024 season. Additionally, Tim Edwards, an emblematic figure who has helmed the roles of CEO and Team Principal for almost twenty years, will also be bidding adieu to Tickford.

The future of other renowned drivers associated with Tickford this season, including Cam Waters, Thomas Randle, and Declan Fraser, remains under wraps as of now.

Courtney expressed his gratitude in a press note, reminiscing about his journey with Tickford. He remarked, "The camaraderie, support from the ardent Tickford fanbase, and unforgettable memories with the entire crew while driving the iconic number 5 Mustang have been the cornerstone of my tenure here."

Courtney's stint with Tickford commenced in the middle of 2020, following his exit from Team Sydney after a solitary round. Spanning almost four seasons, Courtney graced the podium six times under the Tickford banner, with his latest triumph being in Perth earlier this year.

Tim Edwards, lauding Courtney, mentioned his unwavering zeal to compete at the forefront and lauded his vibrant spirit which infused energy into the team. Edwards jovially added, "As he moves ahead, we wish him the very best. Though, come 2024, we are all geared up to challenge him on the racetrack."

Concluding the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 at the sixth position, Courtney is all prepped up to hit the tracks for the forthcoming Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 this weekend. The motorsport community keenly awaits to witness how this chapter unfolds in Courtney's illustrious racing career.