Next year will be the most important and decisive of James Herbertson’s career.
And it could be his last in Australia … at least for a while.
As Herbertson cruises to another dominant win in the Australian Drivers’ Premiership with around an 80-win lead over Queensland star Nathan Dawson, the 25-year-old revealed 2026 would be a “line in the sand” year.
On top of that, he landed his second Australian Driving Championship crown (from just three cracks at the series) in Hobart yesterday.
“I’ve decided the end of next year will be when I make up my mind on where I go with my career,” Herbertson said.
A move to the US looms large, especially after the success he had and contacts Herbertson made during a working holiday day there earlier this year.
“I’ve given myself plenty of time because it’s a big decision and I don’t want to jump into anything,” Herbertson said.
“By taking my time, I think I’m taking the most broad-minded view of it all.
“This isn’t just a decision about me, what I do impacts so many people close to me … Ewa (Justice, girlfriend), my parents (Ashleigh and Jody) and Jess (Tubbs).”
To Herbertson’s credit, giving himself time is a mature call, especially given the emotion-charged year he has endured after the tragic death of his idol, mentor and mate, Greg Sugars, in April.
“It’s been a year with massive low, but some highs as well,” he said. “It’s been a very hard year, that’s for sure.”
Teaming up with Sugar’s widow and his close friend, Jess Tubbs, to win the $NZ500,000 The Ascent during NZ Cup Week in Christchurch was special.
So was driving four winners – three in the US and one in Sweden – during his almost two months travelling earlier in the year.
Despite so long travelling overseas, Herbertson still has that huge lead in the Australian premiership.
“I feel like I’ve achieved as much as I could with the opportunities I’ve had and what this year has been like,” he said.
“I’m (turning) 26 next year and it’s time to look at the bigger picture.
“I feel like I’ve done the hard yards and am reaping the success and creating some opportunities.
“I’m also someone who doesn’t like to stand still. I’m always trying to be better, continually raising the bar, if you like.
“A lot will depend on how things are here in Victoria in 12 months’ time … will they be better? I hope so.
“If things don’t improve, then it’ll probably force my hand to make a change.”
Herbertson has been a revelation with over 1800 career wins, including eight at Group 1 level.
Horses just run for him and so many improve when he jumps on for the first time.
Many say he’s the Chris Alford of today.
Along with what will be two Australian Driving Premierships, and two Australian Drivers’ Championship crowns, Herbertson has been Victoria’s premier statewide driver for the past four years.
It’s safe to assume he must look at the USA success of former Australasian drivers like Dexter Dunn, Todd McCarthy, Andy McCarthy, Lauren Tritton and even Brad Chisholm and be inspired to try his luck.
Maybe he will in 2027 …
