COURTNEY BECOMES FATHER FOR SECOND TIME - IT'S A BOY!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1: V8 Supercar driver James Courtney today became a father for the second time.

Courtney's wife Carys gave birth to a 4.1kg son at Pindara Private Hospital on the Gold Coast.

The couple have named their new son Cadel James, and he is a brother to their first child, daughter Zara, born in January, 2008.

"Everyone is fine and healthy and we are all very excited," said Courtney. "I was there for the birth today and there were no complications."

"We decided on the name Cadel because we both felt it was a strong name and it's welsh origins and Carys being from  Wales was meaningful. Cadel means 'Spirit of the battle'."

"Now we have a healthy son and a daughter and we couldn't be happier."

The 29-year-old Jim Beam Racing Falcon driver said the timing of the birth was a relief because he is soon heading overseas to Abu Dhabi to race in the opening round of this year's V8 Supercar Championship from February 18-20.

"Originally we were told the baby was due on February 14, and that would have meant a rush trip to get to Abu Dhabi in time for the first race," said Courtney.

"However, the birth happened a little earlier than expected, so everything has worked out perfectly."

Courtney won two races in the 2009 championship, in Townsville and Sydney, and had a total of six podium results during the series. He has also finished on the podium in the Bathurst 1000 three times since his championship debut in 2005.

The ex-Jaguar Formula One test driver will get behind the wheel of his FG Falcon for the first time in 2010 during an official test session at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich next Tuesday (February 9).

"Our team has been working hard in the off-season so we can challenge for the championship, and having a new addition to our family is a great way to start what I hope will be a big year," said Courtney.

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHS: high-resolution jpeg images of James Courtney available for media/editorial use