Motorsport: Silly season set to erupt in V8 Supercars

James Courtney during the Townsville 400. Photo / Getty Images

The V8 Supercars silly season is upon us as drivers look to secure a seat for the 2017 season.

A lot of the movement will be determined by what happens with current Holden Racing Team drivers James Courtney and Garth Tander, both who are off-contract at the end of the season.

With Holden pulling its investment into the Walkinshaw Racing team for 2017, there is the chance a reduced budget will impact on who will drive for the new-look team next year.

Courtney, the 2010 series champion, will be a driver in significant demand. His current team would love to re-sign him to usher in a new era at the Holden outfit but other teams will also be lining up.

Nissan is poised to recommit to the series with factory support and are thought to be very interested in adding a marquee signing like Courtney for next season. Of the four drivers currently with Nissan, only Rick Kelly has a deal beyond this season.

Garry Rogers Motorsport is also on the lookout for drivers with Kiwi Scott McLaughlin signing to drive for DJR Team Penske next year. Rogers is still exploring the idea of continuing to run his two Volvo S60s despite no factory investment next year. Tander started his career with GRM and is tipped to be a contender for one of the seats while current driver James Moffat is no guarantee to keep his drive.

Former Bathurst winner Nick Percat appears close to signing with Brad Jones Racing as a replacement for veteran Jason Bright. Percat has spent this season with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.

The future is a little uncertain for Super Black Racing after the passing of team owner Tony Lentino recently. Plans were underway to continue next season but Prodrive Racing could pick up the Racing Entitlements Contract from Super Black if they aren't able to continue.

Scott Pye is another driver sure to attract plenty of interest as he finds himself out of a drive at DJR Team Penske with the impending arrival of McLaughlin next year. Pye has been linked to Walkinshaw Racing and has proven to be a classy operator.