Bridging Experience and Young Talent: Supercars Drivers James Courtney and Aaron Love on Racing and Mentorship

As the Supercars Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 approaches on October 25-27, excitement is building around the team partnership between veteran racer James Courtney and rookie standout Aaron Love from the Blanchard Racing Team (BRT). This unique pairing showcases a fascinating blend of experience and fresh talent, as Courtney brings years of racing wisdom while Love embodies the enthusiasm and ambition of a new generation. The teammates are set to align their difference in experience to propel BRT up the ladder as they tackle one of the biggest race weekends in the Supercars calendar.

Go-karting in Melbourne offers an exciting experience, with professional drivers sharing their passion for the sport through mentorship and racing.

We sat down with Aaron and James to hear about their respective career progression and discuss valuable tips for youngsters who aspire to one day race in Supercars.

Aaron

1. How did your career in motorsport begin?

I started in go-karts when I was 6 or 7. It was only supposed to be a hobby, 2 or so times a month down at the local track, but that very quickly snow balled into taking it more seriously.

2. With your father and old brother also having racing careers, how did their guidance shape your racing journey?

I never watched my dad race as he stopped before my brother and I were born. But him having that experience allowed him to instil in us how big of a task taking racing seriously was. I’m very fortunate to have someone so close to me in my brother racing as well. It means we both have someone to lean on who knows what it’s like.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome them?

The challenges never stop coming at you in this sport. Making the transition from cup car/gt3 racing to Supercars was a big task in navigating a new career path. I’m fortunate enough to have a great group of people around me who give great guidance at every turn.

4. What is one thing you have learned from racing with your teammate, James?

James is a great teammate and there’s countless things that I’ve learned from him so far. The year has been challenging at times for the team and seeing how he approaches every race and every weekend with the same positive mindset and attitude toward everyone has been something I’ve taken onboard. 

5. What key pieces of advice would you give to young drivers who dream of competing in Supercars?

It’s important for young drivers to always stay focused and be clear with their goals. Backing themselves is important too and that comes from being confident in your abilities, so make sure you hone your craft.

6. In your experience, what are effective ways for young drivers to create opportunities for themselves in the motorsport world?

Don’t underestimate how helpful asking questions and enquiring about opportunities is within your motorsport community. The answer is always no unless you ask.

James

1. How did your career in motorsport begin?

I started with go-karts from when I was 7 or 8 years old. My dad raced go-karts and I pestered him until he finally let me have a go. My love for motorsport started there and grew.

2. Do you have a mentor who significantly influenced your career in racing?

I’ve had three people who shaped both my racing career and who I am as a motor racer and sportsman. It’s been a long journey. My Dad who got me started in motor racing, renowned Australian karting mentor, Jim Morton, who initiated my overseas karting career, and Alan Gow, who took me from racing karts to racing cars.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge early in my career was moving away from home at just 15. I was karting in Italy and didn’t know anyone or speak the language. It taught me resilience and just how important relationships are.

4. What is one thing you have learned from racing with your team partner, Aaron?

That I’m old (laughs). Aaron is half my age, which is scary. For me he just brings up a lot of memories from when I was that age and racing. He’s really taught me how to be a mentor for someone in that stage of their career. I remember making mistakes and a big part of our relationship is me trying to shortcut that process so that he doesn’t do the same.

5. What key pieces of advice would you give to young drivers who dream of competing in Supercars?

Try a different sport (laughs). In all seriousness, you have to be passionate and driven as it’s a really difficult level to get to. Be focussed and never deviate from the road to getting there. Take advantage of asking questions and taking advice from the right people.

6. In your experience, what are effective ways for young drivers to create opportunities for themselves in the motorsport world?

Practice makes perfect. You build more and more experience with every lap you do in a go-kart, learning race craft and figuring out race techniques that work for you. On the commercial side of things, be well presented.

You can see James and Aaron live and in action at the GC500 on October 25-27 by securing your tickets via supercars.com or Ticketek.