Supercars: Sydney-based team announced for 2020

James Courtney and Jonathon Webb

Jonathon Webb, the managing director of TEKNO Autosports, today announced the signing of 2010 Supercars Champion James Courtney to drive for the first Sydney-based team in the Supercars Championship in over fifteen years, operating from Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek.

The team will commence operating from their Sydney facility ahead of the first event of the 2020 Supercars Championship. It will then relocate upon completion of a new building at the Western Sydney circuit as part of the $33million investment by the NSW Government announced earlier this year.

Along with the confirmation of relocating from the team’s current Queensland base, Webb said they’re finalizing agreements with new partners which will see two cars operating from the Sydney base in 2020.

“We completed our 4,500sqm Queensland facility in August 2017, however we believe enough in the opportunity a Sydney base presents that we’ll be there from day one.

“In the coming weeks we’ll finalize other key partnerships, including our second driver," Jonathon said.

James Courtney said he was thrilled with the opportunity and was looking forward to spending more time in the Western Sydney precinct.

“I am a Penrith boy, and Jon is from Sydney so in many ways it’s a coming home for us. The Western Sydney fanbase haven’t had their own team to get behind for a long time, so I’m excited to work with the Webbs and their partners to build something new.

“Together, with the right partners and equipment we’re going to work hard to make Sydney proud," he said.

Supercars Australia CEO Sean Seamer said it was a significant outcome for the sport in Sydney.

“Having a Supercars team housed in a permanent facility in the heart of Sydney’s booming Western Suburbs is a massive coup for the Championship.

"The Webb family have delivered significant developments in Sydney, including in the Eastern Creek area, and James Courtney was born and bred in Western Sydney, so the team’s collective knowledge and connection to NSW makes them the perfect match up for a Sydney Supercars team," Seamer said.

Sydney Motorsport Park CEO, Glenn Mathews says the arrival of a Supercars team is a vital step towards establishing Western Sydney as the motorsport hub of Australia.

“Today is an exciting day not only for Supercars, but for the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club. The investment in the permanent lighting creates significant opportunities for new audiences, users and events, and the facility being built to house the new team is an integral part of our strategy to position the entire Sydney Motorsport Park precinct as a motorsport innovation and high performance hub," he said.

The Webb family say they’re looking forward to building a team for the new Sydney venture.

“Our collective aim is to position the team as a key component in the strategy of creating a Sydney Motorsport hub, and it was important for us to embrace that right from the start," Jonathon said.

Sean Seamer echoed the positive sentiment for Sydney, concluding the investment further demonstrates the NSW Government’s strong commitment to motorsport.

“On behalf of Supercars, we thank the NSW Government for their ongoing support," he said.