during practice for the V8 Supercars Perth SuperSprint at Barbagallo Raceway on May 6, 2016 in Perth, Australia.

Holden's James Courtney needs more surgery to deal with the painful rib injury he suffered in a freak accident last year.

Courtney suffered fractured ribs and a punctured lung when he was struck in the chest by advertising signage blown over by a low-flying Navy helicopter during a military demonstration in Sydney in August.

At Thursday’s launch of the Gold Coast 600, the scene of his memorable victory returning from the injury last year, Courtney confirmed a legal case was under way.

Reports are being compiled to determine whether the helicopter flew too low.

The 2010 V8 Supercars champion had surgery to repair his ribs, but the pain has returned and Courtney will consult a specialist this week.

Read more at HeraldSun.com.au