But V8 Supercars star James Courtney has revealed his heart could have been crushed – literally – if he had defied doctor’s orders and contested Sunday’s Bathurst 1000.
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James Courtney was warned that he could pay the ultimate price racing in this weekend’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 before the decision was made to remain on the sidelines.
Officially ruled out by his surgeon on Tuesday night, Courtney flew to Bathurst this morning and will spend the weekend supporting the team.
Courtney is not expected to overcome five broken ribs and a punctured lung suffered in a freak accident at August’s Sydney round.
“I’m recovering well but haven’t been given medical clearance to race”, Courtney said to reporters.
“However we have clarified the rules in relation to fuel trimming with all teams for the avoidance of any doubt”. “I’m massively, massively annoyed…I’m gutted”.
It will be the 24th Great Race for the two-time Bathurst victor, who said he and Perkins will simply be making up the numbers on Sunday.
Courtney said he is targeting a comeback at the Gold Coast 600 from the October 23-25.
Courtney said he had received an apology from the Navy but had not heard more on its joint investigation with V8 Supercars into the weird Sydney accident.
Ingall came out of an eight-month retirement to also replace Courtney at last month’s Sandown 500, nabbing a surprise top-10 placing.
“He did a great job at Sandown. Behind the scenes management and the team are definitely investigating it all and I’m sure something will happen with it”, he said.
The 2005 V8 champion claimed both Bathurst titles (1995, 1997) with Jack Perkins’ father – touring auto great Larry.
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Twenty years later, Ingall will partner Perkins’ son Jack at Bathurst.
