Russell Ingall to co-drive #22 HRT Commodore with Jack Perkins

V8 Supercars Champion James Courtney has been ruled out of this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, beginning at Mt Panorama tomorrow.

Courtney was seriously injured in a freak incident at Sydney Motorsport Park in August when he was hit by advertising walls sent flying by the downdraft of a helicopter. The Navy Seahawk helicopter had been hovering above pit lane performing a demonstration.

The medical team overseeing the 2010 V8 Supercar Champion’s recovery made the final decision on his fate late last night.

“James suffered serious injuries in August’s incident, with the architecture concerning his rib and lung area severely damaged. While there has been significant betterment in the healing, and his pain has been abated and controlled, James has not been cleared to race this weekend. We have made this decision in the interests of James’ health and recovery,” a medical spokesperson said.

As at Sandown, two-time Bathurst winner turned FOX SPORTS motorsport expert, Russell Ingall will again fill in for Courtney, sharing the #22 Holden Racing Team Star Wars: The Force Awakens light side Commodore. The pair finished ninth in last month’s Sandown 500.

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