CARTOURINGV8

James Courtney admits his pleasure at being nominated for the Motor Sport Personality of the Year.

James Courtney said he was delighted to be nominated for the CAMS Motor Sport Personality of the Year Award after being named as the V8 Supercar nominee on the list for the annual prize.

The Stone Brothers Racing driver is the only V8 Supercar star amongst the 17 nominees on the list, with the winner due to be announced at the Australian Motor Sport Awards in Melbourne next month.

Having received his nomination, Courtney said he was pleased to have had the chance to launch a career as a professional racing driver, which in turn has led to him securing his place on the shortlist.

"Anyone who can make a living out of their sport is incredibly lucky," he said. "It's something I appreciate and never take for granted.

"I got into racing karts as a kid because I loved it, and I realise that not many people can turn their childhood hobby into a fulltime career and get paid to do it.

"That's why I always try and promote my sport positively on and off the track, because the support we get from fans, sponsors, and everyone else is what keeps the professional drivers in our jobs.

"So it's satisfying to be nominated for this CAMS award because it recognises the efforts I have made."

Courtney, who currently lies seventh in this year's championship, will hope to celebrate his nomination with a solid run this weekend at Symmons Plains in the latest round of the season and he said he was confident of a good result.

"I'm feeling confident about Symmons Plains," he said. "The critical thing is making it through the hairpin on the first lap. There is a long straight leading into a first-gear corner, and we've seen a lot of crashes there - you've got to keep clear of the carnage."

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