Brodie Kostecki still part of Erebus - Auto Action
Erebus Motorsport has today confirmed that Brodie Kostecki remains a part of the team despite recent media reports, but he will not contest the opening round of the Supercars Championship at the Bathurst 500 on February 23-25.
News broke yesterday of issues surrounding Kostecki’s defence of his maiden Supercars title, but Erebus and Kostecki have today confirmed the statements made in that report are not correct.
Kostecki is believed to be dealing with a number of issues after a tough season and has been working with Erebus to find a solution, and both parties have agreed to him standing aside from at least the opening round.
When and if we see the #1 Coca-Cola Racing Camaro is not clear, but Erebus has confirmed that if Kostecki races this year it will be with the team that gave him his break in the sport.
Todd Hazelwood who was expected to be confirmed as an Erebus endurance drive for this season will substitute for Kostecki at the Bathurst opener.
AUTO ACTION received the below statement from Erebus Motorsport confirming the news.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard also released a statement on the situation.“We understand the gravity of Brodie’s decision and the challenges he may be facing at this time,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at Supercars, we wish Brodie all the best, and we sincerely hope to witness his return to the Repco Supercars Championship in the future.
“In the meantime, we extend our support to Erebus as they navigate the start of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with Todd Hazelwood and Jack Le Brocq driving for the team.
“Defending a Championship title is never an easy task, but we are confident in Erebus’s ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success on the track.”
A pumped up Brodie Kostecki celebrating his title on the podium in Adelaide. Image: Mark Horsburgh
Barry Ryan and Betty Klimenko rejoice after taking out a breakthrough Supercars title. Image: Mark Horsburgh
Kostecki’s absence has thrown a massive opportunity to Hazelwood, who will make a return earlier than expected. The 2017 Dunlop Series Super2 champion was expected to co-drive for Erebus in 2024 after losing his seat at BRT.
He made his debut with MSR in 2018 and achieved a maiden top 10 on home turf at the 2019 Adelaide 500, while he hit the top five at Pukekohe.
Hazelwood then moved to BJR in 2020 and appeared on the podium in the Sydney Motorsport Park double header after the COVID break.After getting a top championship finish of 13th in 2021, he returned to MSR for what only proved to be one year before being on the move again in 2023.
Last year Hazelwood returned to the “Blue Oval” with Blanchard Racing Team, but after a solid start with three consecutive top 10s in Albert Park and Wanneroo, he lost his seat with the team replacing him with James Courtney and Aaron Love preferred.
Having been tipped to be an Erebus co-driver replacing Jack Perkins, Hazelwood will now drive a Coke Camaro at Mount Panorama in February’s season opener.
Todd Hazelwood was to be confirmed this week as an Erebus co-driver, but will now race at the Bathurst 500. Image: RACE PROJECT
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