Supercars ace James Courtney might reunite with Charlie Schwerkolt after leaving WAU
Nine years after a dramatic fallout saw them on non-speaking terms, James Courtney is expected to be reunited with his former boss after revealing he won’t pursue a new deal with Walkinshaw Andretti United.
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They say time heals all wounds — and that appears to be the case when it comes to James Courtney and Charlie Schwerkolt.
Nine years after a dramatic fallout saw them on non-speaking terms, Courtney is expected to be reunited with his former boss Schwerkolt after the championship-winning driver announced he will be leaving Walkinshaw Andretti United at the end of the year.
Courtney said he would not be entering negotiations for a new contract with the team he joined in 2011 after winning the V8 championship with Schwerkolt and Dick Johnson Racing.
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“My decision not to finalise negotiations on a new deal with Walkinshaw Andretti United is one that I’ve not taken lightly given the close personal friendships I’ve developed within the team,’’ Courtney said.
“But the time has come to take on a new challenge.
“I love this team. WAU’s been my home for nine years, and we’ve been through a lot together, but an exciting chance has presented itself, and it just couldn’t be ignored.’’
Schwerkolt — the man that fell-out with Courtney after the V8 star abandoned a plan to race with him in 2011 to join the Holden Racing Team — admitted he had held discussions about signing the ace in a new entry next year.
Courtney would drive alongside fellow champion Mark Winterbottom should he join the Schwerkolt team.
Walkinshaw boss Ryan Walkinshaw thanked Courtney for his nine years of service.
“James has been a great member of this team for nine seasons,’’ Walkinshaw said.
“And we’ve shared some fantastic times together. I’m sure we will all miss his vibrant personality and smile around the garage, but we are looking forward to finishing our time together on a high for the remainder of the 2019 season.
“We all wish him the best for the future, he will always be a friend of the team and my family.
“We look forward to announcing a new WAU driver to our fans very soon.”
Originally published as Supercars ace James Courtney might reunite with Charlie Schwerkolt after leaving WAU
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