Full Throttle

He has been voted the most overrated driver in V8 Supercars and only has one race win to his name, but James Courtney will next year become one of the sport’s richest drivers after signing a mind-boggling $1 million-a-year deal.

Courtney will become the second richest driver on the grid behind four-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes when he joins the Dick Johnson Racing team.

The former Formula One test driver’s stunning deal comes after two lean years with Stone Brothers Racing where he only managed to break through for his first V8 Supercars win this year.

The pay day has left some of the sport’s biggest names outraged, with Ford top-gun Mark Winterbottom claiming Courtney has been bought for his profile - not his talent.

“He will really have to start performing if he is on that kind of money,” Winterbottom said.

“He has only won one race so far, but he has a big profile so that’s what they are paying for.”

But those close to the V8 glamour boy claim he is worth every cent.

“He just adds more value than a lot of drivers out there, simply because he works harder than the rest of them,” Courtney’s adviser Mike Porter said.

“He recognizes that it is part of the job to get out there and get a profile and work hard for sponsors. He grew up racing karts and now is making a great living out of it (in V8 Supercars). So he thinks if a sponsor wants him to go to a dinner, it’s all part of the job.”

There is no doubting Courtney’s profile. The Penrith-raised prodigy is one of the most recognizable V8 faces after a stint on Channel 7s Dancing with the Stars. He has also appeared on The Price is Right, tossed coins at AFL games and taken former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins for a hot lap in his Falcon.

“James works harder than anyone in the paddock on his profile,” Porter said.

“He is one of the new breed of drivers who recognizes his value to sponsors is determined by the relationship he has with fans and the media coverage he can generate.”

Courtney refused to comment on the deal yesterday, with Dick Johnson Racing refusing to announce his signing until his contract with SBR runs out next month.

“I can’t comment on any of that,” Courtney said. “I have nothing to say”.

And while some question the rich deal, there is no denying Courtney’s talent.

The 26-year-old was offered an F1 drive early in his career but knocked it back because he could not stand the egos.