Courtney Prince: A Rising Star in Australian Motorsport

Courtney Prince’s story begins with a need for speed. Growing up on a three-acre property on the outskirts of Melbourne, her childhood was filled with dirt bikes and go-karts - anything that could go fast. From a young age, it was clear that racing was in her blood. While her parents initially balked at the idea of letting her race motocross, fearing the risk of broken bones, they ultimately gave in and bought her a go-kart at seven. "I begged my parents for a dirt bike, but they said no. So, I convinced them to get me a go-kart instead!" she recalls. This decision set her on a lifelong path in motorsport, one that would soon take her from local kart tracks to some of the most competitive racing series in Australia.

The Early Days: From Karting to Formula Ford

Courtney’s transition from karting to car racing began at the age of 14 when she joined Sonic Motor Racing Services to race in Formula Ford. The move was a significant step in her career. “It was a massive leap,” she says, describing her transition from a small, lightweight go-kart to the full-size, high-powered Formula Ford. Despite the challenges, she embraced the learning curve and quickly adapted. “The biggest step for me was the physical side,” Courtney explains, noting how the new cars required significantly more strength and stamina, especially when compared to the nimble karts she was used to.

The shift to Formula Ford wasn’t just a technical challenge but a mental one as well. Courtney had to wait until she was 15 to even test the car, as licensing rules required drivers to be older. Once behind the wheel, the new physical demands tested her in ways she hadn’t experienced before. "The steering is hard, and the brakes require a lot of strength," she says. "I had to work very hard in the gym from a young age to have the strength to drive these cars." Despite being one of the smallest drivers on the grid, Courtney's determination paid off. She thrived in the highly competitive environment of the Australian National Formula Ford Series, where she raced for three seasons, gaining invaluable experience and refining her driving skills.

Breaking Barriers: Competing in a Male-Dominated Sport

Being one of the few women in a male-dominated sport came with its challenges. “When I first started in Formula Ford, there was quite a bit of commotion about a female being in a male sport,” Courtney recalls. Many doubted her ability to keep up, questioning if she had the strength and resilience to compete at such a high level. Instead of being discouraged, Courtney used this skepticism to fuel her passion. “It made me stronger,” she explains. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for those people trying to put me down.”

Despite the initial struggles, Courtney’s talent and tenacity earned her respect. As time went on, she became more confident, proving herself on the track and establishing herself as a serious contender. “Over time, I’ve gained a lot of respect from the guys I race with,” she adds. “I think that comes from results, time, and seeing my passion for the sport.”

New Challenges: Porsche and Aussie Racing Cars

In 2021, Courtney made the leap into the world of sports car racing with the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge. In her very first race, she stunned the paddock by finishing third. “It was my first time driving the Porsche in the wet, and I led my first race,” she says. This impressive debut performance was cut short by COVID-19 shutdowns, but it was enough to prove that Courtney could adapt quickly to new cars and challenges. In 2022, she returned to the series for a full season, finishing 4th in the championship with multiple podiums. "The Porsche Sprint Challenge was a great experience,” Courtney reflects. “It was the perfect next step in my career, and I learned so much during that time.”

That same year, Courtney competed in the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series, a completely different style of racing with small, motorcycle-engined race cars. Despite the differences in car size and handling, Courtney adapted quickly and again finished 4th overall. "This was probably my favourite year in racing," she says, not just for the results but for the fun she had in both categories. “The racing was fantastic, and I loved the challenge of balancing both series.”

Porsche Carrera Cup: Racing Among the Best

Courtney’s consistent results earned her a coveted spot in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, the premier one-make Porsche series in Australia. The Carrera Cup is often seen as a stepping stone for drivers aiming for international success in sports car racing. “The Carrera Cup is extremely competitive,” Courtney says. “The level of talent on the grid is incredible.”

In 2022, she finished 8th at the Adelaide 500, one of Australia’s most prestigious motorsport events. “It was a massive achievement to finish in the top 10 at such a high-level event,” she recalls. Racing in a BWT car—one of the main sponsors in Formula 1—was another career milestone. “It was awesome to race with BWT and to see them supporting Australian motorsport,” she adds.

Balancing Racing and Career: Life Outside the Track

While motorsport is Courtney’s passion, she knows that a career in racing often requires more than just talent behind the wheel. Unlike many of her peers, Courtney hasn’t had the luxury of unlimited funding. To support her career, she works as an Executive in Industrial and Logistics at Colliers International, while also helping with her family’s business. “You don’t tend to make a lot of money out of racing here in Australia,” she admits. “So it’s important for me to have a job outside of motorsport to provide for myself.”

Courtney is also a certified personal trainer, and she uses her fitness training to stay in peak condition for racing. "I train up to five times a week," she says. "The physical demands of motorsport are intense, and it’s crucial to stay fit and strong to handle the G-forces, the steering, and the high-pressure situations."

Mentorship: Giving Back to the Next Generation

Courtney is deeply committed to supporting young drivers, especially young girls who want to follow in her footsteps. "It’s really important for me to be someone that young girls can look up to," she says. Growing up, Courtney didn’t have a female role model in motorsport, and she’s determined to be the role model she wished she had. “I want to be that person who can help others follow their dreams,” she says.

Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Racing

While racing might seem glamorous from the outside, Courtney is quick to highlight the hard work that goes into every race. "A lot of people don’t realize how much goes into securing the funding and training," she explains. Securing sponsorship and partners is a year-round effort, requiring constant pitches and presentations. "If you want to make a career out of motorsport, you have to make money out of it," she says.

The physical demands are equally grueling. "The cars are hot, and the steering is heavy. You’re using every muscle in your body," she says. Each race is a workout in itself, and staying in top shape is essential for success.

Supercars: The Next Goal

Courtney’s ultimate goal is to race in the Supercars Championship, Australia’s top-tier touring car series. "Supercars is the pinnacle of Australian motorsport," she says. “I would love to make it there one day.” Currently eyeing a spot in Super2, the developmental series for Supercars, Courtney is determined to make the leap. "Super2 is where the best drivers are groomed for Supercars," she explains. "That’s the next step for me."

Advice for Aspiring Drivers

Courtney’s advice to young women looking to follow in her footsteps is simple: "Follow what you want in life, and don’t let anyone stop you. Nothing is easy!" This philosophy has guided Courtney through her career, and it continues to fuel her drive for success.

A Work in Progress

Courtney Prince has already achieved so much, but at just 23, her journey is far from over. From karting on the outskirts of Melbourne to racing on the world’s most iconic circuits, Courtney’s determination, resilience, and passion for motorsport have propelled her forward. With her eyes set on the Supercars Championship, Courtney continues to break barriers, inspire others, and chase her dreams.

Her journey is far from finished. Every step she takes brings her closer to her ultimate goal, but Courtney remains grounded, determined to make her mark on the sport and inspire the next generation of female drivers.

A Work in Progress

Courtney Prince has already achieved so much, but at just 23, her journey is far from over. From karting on the outskirts of Melbourne to racing on the world’s most iconic circuits, Courtney’s determination, resilience, and passion for motorsport have propelled her forward. With her eyes set on the Supercars Championship, Courtney continues to break barriers, inspire others, and chase her dreams.

Her journey is far from finished. Every step she takes brings her closer to her ultimate goal, but Courtney remains grounded, determined to make her mark on the sport and inspire the next generation of female drivers.