Quick interview with James Courtney
After the taping of the first episode of ABC1's new sports panel show The Trophy Room, we caught up with newly crowned V8 Supercars champ James Courtney.
After the taping of the first episode of ABC1's new sports panel show The Trophy Room, we caught up with newly crowned V8 Supercars champ James Courtney.
CNET Australia: James Courtney, congratulations on winning the V8 Supercars championship on the weekend.
James Courtney: Thanks. It's been a whirlwind the last couple of days since we wrapped it up, but it's been pretty cool. And it's already paying off as I'm here doing the show with Peter [Hellier].
Were you scheduled to go on tonight's episode even if you didn't win?
JC: Yes, but Peter did say that if I didn't win they weren't going to have me on. So, just a little bit of added pressure [laughs]. But these guys are great and I think [the show's] going to be a success for sure.
What was the first car you ever drove?
JC: Hmmm ... that's a hard one. It was probably my dad's Ford F100 when I was young chap, so it was a while ago.
And what was the first car you owned?
JC: A Datsun 1200 ute. I bought it with my own money and thought it was worth a million dollars.
Your first drive was in an F100 and then your first car's a ute; is there something about utes?
JC: Growing up as a young kid in western Sydney, everyone thought utes were pretty cool. Also I couldn't afford a Commodore or anything like that.
What was so good about your first car?
JC: It gave me freedom; you're held back by your parents until you have your first car.
Do you still have it?
JC: No I don't, but the guy who bought it off me is trying to sell it back to me. He's raised the price a little, so I'm currently negotiating to drop the price a little bit.
What are you currently driving right now?
JC: I've got a Range Rover.
What do like you like most about your Range Rover?
JC: I like cruising in it, because I do enough fast stuff on the track. On the road I'm all about the luxury; if I had a fast car it would be like working.
Do you take your Range Rover off-road?
JC: No, I'm one of those annoying people who drive a four-wheel drive in the city. I hate those people and now I'm one of them.
What's your favourite gadget in your Range Rover?
JC: Probably the reversing camera, that way I don't have to turn around when parking or backing up.
If there was one feature that you could have in your car, what would it be?
JC: That['s] a tough one ... Oh, the next model up has this split screen display that allows the driver to see the navigation screen, while the passenger can watch movies. I'm not sure how it works, but I think that would be fantastic.
Why didn't you buy that model then?
JC: Because my wife wanted the sporty one instead.
Thanks for your time James.