Courtney named Rookie of the Year.

James Courtney has been named the Mike Kable Rookie of the Year at the V8 Supercar Gala Dinner at the end of an exciting season of racing in the V8 Supercar Championship.

Named after one of Australia's most respected motoring journalists, the award was presented to the SBR driver after the former British Formula Three runner-up finished eleventh in the championship standings in the fiercely fought series that has demanded experience over exuberance in the past.

With Kable having championed his early career, Courtney was surprised but nonetheless honoured to receive his award.

"It's a real honour to receive the Mike Kable Rookie of the Year award," he said. "Mike was one of the journalists that pushed my boat early in my career, both here in Australia and overseas, and he helped me to build a profile in the motor sport industry.

"The Jeld-Wen Motorsport crew had an up and down year but we really came on at the end of the season. It's great to get this recognition for our efforts this year. I can't wait to get out there again next year and challenge for the championship."

In his debut V8 Supercar season Courtney achieved two podium finishes at Oran Park and Bathurst, five top ten finishes and took part in six top ten shoot-outs, his best qualifying position third at Queensland Raceway, missing out on the top ten by ten points.

Courtney becomes the third SBR driver to receive the prestigious award, with Marcos Ambrose the recipient in 2002 and Mark Winterbottom named Rookie of the Year in 2003 following his V8 Supercar Development Series title win with SBR.