The Holden Racing Team’s James Courtney has taken out Race 25 of the V8 Supercars Championship today at Queensland Raceway.

Courtney delivered a very strong qualifying performance earlier this afternoon, posting the second quickest time of the 20-minute all-in dash.

In the opening laps of today’s longer 65-lap battle, Courtney held firm in second place as the field settled into an early rhythm.

It was a relatively uneventful race at the sharp end; Courtney was called into pit for the first of two stops on lap 15 – the 2010 Champion re-emerged in second place after the field had taken fuel and tyres.

After pushing on with impressive pace, the #22 pilot found himself in the lead on lap 33 before being called into pit lane for the second and final time on lap 40.

With a fresh set of green tyres available during the middle part of the race, Courtney drove with determination and posted a run of impressive lap times as he again took the race lead on lap 45.

From there, Courtney led through to race end increasing the gap on second placed Lowndes to score a comprehensive and well deserved victory.

On the other side of the garage Courtney’s HRT teammate, Garth Tander, was unable to break into the top 10 during qualifying registering the 17th quickest time.

Tander quickly claimed four spots on the first lap and then set about working his way through the field – the #2 factory Holden driver forcing his way into the top 10 on lap 10.

Finding himself in the mid-pack throughout the middle stint, Tander continued to persevere and was placed as high sixth on lap 36 before making his final stop on lap 37.

Locked in behind Walkinshaw Racing stable mate, Nick Percat, Tander held on to take the chequered flag in ninth place.

The 2014 V8 Supercars Championship continues with the Sydney Motorsport Park 400 (22-24 August).

James Courtney, #22 Holden Racing Team Holden VF Commodore

“The car was really quick all day - both in qualifying and in the race.

“Compared to yesterday, we had a much better race car today – the boys did a great job last night to improve its overall performance.

“In the race, it was great to be able to drive within myself, stay off the curbs and look after the car.

“I could feel myself slowly creeping away from the field towards the end and it was a great victory for everyone at the Holden Racing Team.