FRIDAY, MAY 8: James Courtney believes the new soft-compound tyres introduced into the V8 Supercar Championship last weekend should be used in more events.

"The soft tyres are fun to drive on because of extra grip, plus they create more passing which increases the excitement for fans at the track and those watching the Channel 7 telecasts," said the Jim Beam Racing Falcon racer.

"I think (championship) officials could now consider more races on the soft tyres, especially at some street circuits because they are usually narrow and passing can be difficult."

"We are competing with other sports for entertainment dollars - the public want to see exciting racing and cars passing each other so let's give it to them."

"Formula One also have a soft tyre now because they, like us, want make their show better."

The soft-compound optional Dunlop V8 Sport Maxx 'sprint' tyres were used for the first time in the third event of this year's championship at Winton in Victoria from May 1-3.

The 'sprint' tyres are also scheduled for use in five further events this year; at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, Hidden Valley near Darwin, Sandown in Melbourne, Queensland Raceway near Ipswich, and Perth's Barbagallo Raceway.

Each car is allocated a set of the 'sprint' tyres for use at any stage of the two races at these six events. For the remainder of the races, the cars were fitted with durable Dunlop 'control' tyres previously used in the championship.

Courtney, who has finished on the Bathurst 1000 podium the past three years, said the mixture of tyres at Winton promoted passing.

"In the past I've heard criticism our racing is sometimes too processional, but there was plenty of passing at Winton with cars circulating on different tyres," said the 28-year-old Gold Coast-based driver.

"I think it's going to be good everywhere we use the soft tyres, and maybe things could be expanded to include them at some other places we race, especially street circuits."

Courtney used his set of 'sprint' tyres in the first race at Winton, and his best lap around the 3km circuit was 2.729-seconds faster than his quickest lap in race two driving exclusively on 'control' tyres.

"On the soft tyres you can brake earlier for corners and accelerate quicker on the exit," he said. "You have more confidence with grip to make a pass, but on the 'control' tyre you have to coax the car."

Courtney said the use of 'sprint' tyres provided an additional challenge to teams devising strategies to maximise the extra grip, and timing pit stops appropriately to switch to the 'control' rubber.

"The various strategy options are another variable, and that's good," he said.

"We also use more fuel on the soft tyres, so in some instances it might be better to drive below 'ten tenths'. If you conserve fuel you might also retain the extra grip for more laps.

Courtney said the only criticism he had heard from trackside fans and television viewers about the 'sprint' tyres at Winton was regarding the identification of cars using the soft-compound option rubber.

"They had yellow markings on the soft tyres, but maybe these need to be bigger - I'm sure it's fixable," he said.

The next event in the championship is at Symmons Plains from May 29-31.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Mike Porter - Tel: (0417) 311-997. E-mail: mikep@qldnet.com.au

WEBSITE: http://www.jamescourtney.com.au

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