Snowy River Caravans brought its Somerton factory to a standstill last week as more than 200 team members lined up to farewell brand ambassador and V8 Supercars veteran James Courtney following the conclusion of his full-time racing career at the Adelaide 500.

The Victorian manufacturer welcomed Courtney and the Blanchard Racing Team to its headquarters on Friday 5 December for an emotional tribute marking the end of a four-year partnership that saw the racing icon become one of the brand's most visible ambassadors.

A Factory United

Staff from across the operation - from production floor workers through to the executive team - wore custom "Thank You James" shirts in a show of unity and appreciation for the departing champion.

Courtney's #7 Snowy River racer also made an appearance, fresh from its final outing at Adelaide. The car featured the custom retirement livery revealed at the last round, providing an emotional focal point for the farewell event.

Andrew Crank, CEO of Snowy River Caravans, reflected on the partnership.

"James has been an outstanding ambassador for the brand over the last four years. We were extremely fortunate that when we joined Tickford in 2022, Car 5 and James were available, and we then continued the relationship with Car 7 at BRT. JC has been a pleasure to work with and a true professional on and off the track," Crank said. "He's had an incredible racing career, and we've valued the partnership throughout. We wish him all the best in what comes next, with Team 18, his flourishing real estate career, and his continued involvement in Supercars. I'd also like to thank BRT for the past two years; the whole team, including John, Tim and Kate, have worked tirelessly to improve the car, and that hard work is starting to pay off. BRT will certainly be in the mix in 2026."

Genuine Connection

Courtney, speaking to the gathered crowd, was visibly emotional about the send-off.

"This kind of send-off genuinely means the world to me. I've worked with some fantastic brands over my career, but Snowy River has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door. It's the people here, the pride on the floor, the energy in the place – it's rare, and it's special. I'm genuinely grateful to have been part of the brand's journey over the past four years. I was incredibly fortunate to join Andrew and Tim in China last year to visit the Snowy factory in Shanghai, and I'm already looking forward to the next invite.

"Everywhere I go, I meet people who either own a Snowy or tell me it's the van they want next, and that makes me incredibly proud. I'm excited about the next chapter, and while today is a big moment, it's not goodbye – I'm just not racing as much."

Beyond the Track

The celebration continued with an all-staff barbecue lunch, filled with photos and shared stories between Snowy River staff, BRT members, and Courtney, underscoring the genuine bond that developed through the partnership.

For Snowy River, the Courtney partnership represented more than traditional motorsport sponsorship. The racing champion's involvement helped raise the brand's profile among younger demographics while reinforcing its positioning as a performance-oriented manufacturer.

The farewell marks the end of an era for both Courtney and Snowy River's V8 Supercars involvement, though Crank's comments about BRT's 2026 prospects suggest the manufacturer's commitment to the sport continues.

Courtney moves into a co-driving role with Team 18 while continuing to develop his real estate interests and maintaining involvement in the Supercars scene.

Explore our selection of Snowy River caravans for sale


Finding the perfect van is just the beginning. Getting caravan finance arranged so you can actually hit the road is where Credit One comes in. As Australia's best-reviewed finance broker with 3,000+ happy customers sharing five-star Google reviews, they know how to make it straightforward. Read through Credit One reviews from fellow adventurers, then try the loan repayment calculator to understand what fits your plans.