Former Supercars series champion James Courtney says he never doubted his new outfit Team Sydney would be ready for 2020 despite keeping a low profile ahead of the season's official launch.
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The Jonathan Webb-led venture had been plagued by rumours about their future since making the bold call last October to relocate from Gold Coast to Sydney and become a two-car outfit spearheaded by Courtney in 2020.
Team Sydney had provided few details about the rest of their set-up since their announcement at Bathurst 1000, prompting speculation the outfit may fall over after one of their backers, businessman Rod Salmon, departed.
But the Supercars' first Sydney-based team in 15 years ended months of uncertainty by unveiling Courtney's new Holden Commodore at the 2020 season launch on Tuesday.
While a driver, engineers and backer for their second entry is yet to be confirmed ahead of the season opener in Adelaide starting on February 20, Courtney said Team Sydney was always going to take its place on the 2020 grid.
"You can see now why I didn't want to talk or anything. We were making sure to keep everything down and say something when we could," Courtney told speedcafe website.
"I think because we've been quiet, everyone just made up their own stories as to how things were going to play out.
"Obviously there was a little bit of a change when Rod was involved and then he stepped aside, but as for if it was ever going to happen or not, (there were) no (concerns)."
Webb's outfit - formerly Tekno Autosports - is yet to officially move to Sydney.
They will relocate from the Gold Coast to a temporary facility at Sydney Motorsport Park after the season-opening Adelaide 500.
While Webb said the off-season had been at times stressful, he was happy to unveil leading driver Courtney's ZB Commodore entry at the season launch.
"It's obviously been plenty of work in the background, chipping away," he said.
"I think most of the media made up their own story along the way, but from my point of view it's just getting in and getting it done.
"(But) it's good to finally come out and show everyone stage one of what Team Sydney is going to look like."
The second driver is set to be unveiled ahead of the Supercars test day at South Australia's The Bend on February 18, just days before the Adelaide season opener.
Australian Associated Press
