Bahrain showed that V8 Supercars can put on a better spectacle when we race on wider tracks. Since I came back to Australia to race fulltime in the championship in 2006, I've heard many comments from trackside fans and television viewers about a lack of passing in our series. There was plenty of passing in all three races of the Bahrain round last week, as there was when the championship went there for the first time in 2006, and again the following year. I'm convinced the main reason for the many passing moves, by drivers throughout the field, is because the Bahrain track is wider than many other places we race. The Bahrain International Circuit, designed by German Hermann Tilke, has hosted a Formula One grand prix every year since 2004. The extra width of the track creates more passing opportunities because there are more 'racing lines' and you can drive all over the circuit at critical overtaking points around the 3.6km layout. There are also plenty of run-off areas at Bahrain so the drivers are more inclined to take risks with a passing move. That's because the consequences aren't as great if you make a mistake and go off the track, especially compared to a tight street circuit such as the Gold Coast where you would probably hit a concrete wall. Performance-wise, the Fords and Holdens are currently evenly matched because of the parity regulations. So the extra width of the Bahrain track is appreciated by the drivers trying to improve positions because it's also more difficult to 'block' close-following cars.

It's possible that our category has now 'outgrown' some of the older-style tracks we race on. Some of them were built decades ago when they were racing Minis and Ford Cortinas, but the cars, speeds, and technology have come a long way since then. Ideally, it would be good if some of these older tracks could be widened or modified to promote and allow more passing between current-spec V8 Supercars. Track upgrades are expensive, and securing necessary funding would be a challenge in these difficult economic times.

My results in the JELD-WEN Ford Falcon at Bahrain last week were solid, but possibly not as good as I'd hoped for after finishing second in the round there in 2007. This year I was fourth overall in the round, after finishing fifth in the first race, seventh in the second race, and runner-up to Jamie Whincup in race three. I scored 230 points and moved up from eighth to seventh in the championship.

In the second race I made an early pit-stop to change tyres, and struggled with a lack of rear grip toward the finish. That's why I dropped back from fourth to seventh in the closing laps. However, in race three my pit-stop was later than most of the others in the front group. That meant I had fresh rubber and I was able to pass several cars near the end to claim second. With just two rounds remaining there are only 42 points between Steven Richards in fifth place on 2,178, Will Davison, who is sixth on 2,153, and myself on 2,136.

I arrived in Bahrain on the Tuesday before the round. That day I was involved in a game of beach cricket with some other drivers at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The next day we went to an official welcome lunch, and the opening of the event at the track. They serve 'western' type food at these functions, and in all the hotels. This year we stayed at the Diplomat Hotel in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. The track is located 22km from Manama.

The local drivers go flat-out on the road and are all over the place. They drive all types of vehicles, from Hummers, to Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, etc. One thing I always notice in Bahrain is the amount of development and construction. There seem to be building sites everywhere. If you are looking for Christmas presents, or a gift for any other occasion, please consider the JC merchandise range.

The various items can be purchased elsewhere on my website (www.jamescourtney.com.au) and on the SBR website (www.stonebrothersracing.com.au) Summer is here and there is a good selection of caps and T-shirts for men, women, and children.

Keep smiling.