Courtney first Aussie to drive a V8 in Austin
Courtney (pictured right) flies to Texas this week on the back of HRTs form resurgence in Tasmania and New Zealand in the past two weeks and will be joined by Lockwood Racing’s Fabian Coulthard. V8 Supercars makes its debut at the Circuit of The Americas on May 17-19 for the Austin 400.
The ex-Formula One test driver, World Karting Champion and British Formula Ford Champion Courtney will pilot the V8 Supercar "Car of the Future" Holden Commodore for exhibition laps during the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin this weekend.
Courtney and Coulthard will then remain in Texas after the MotoGP weekend for a series of media and promotional engagements, including cutting passenger laps early next week.
“I’m pretty excited, and also in front of a big crowd," Courtney said.
“It’s going to be good, it’s a great opportunity to be the first guy to drive a V8 Supercar on American soil is pretty cool; something I never dreamed of. The facility looks amazing and I can’t wait to get over there."
New Zealander Coulthard (pictured right) is in the best form of his career with race wins and pole positions this year. He comes off a race win in his home country last weekend.
“We are both pretty excited," Coulthard said.
“It’s a good opportunity to get an early look at the track and do some rides for some people. We will also get to have a look around and see the sights before everyone else.
“When we race there we will all be on a level playing field which again should be good for us. No-one has got any history or any data. I’m excited, can’t wait to cut a few laps on an enjoyable track that is second to none."