Erebus reveals Supercars champion Kostecki will miss opening round
The Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport saga took a twist on Wednesday afternoon, the team confirming that the current Supercars Champion will stand down from his driving duties – but only, at this stage, for the opening round of the season.
In a statement Erebus has said that Kostecki has “indicated he’s not in a position to take part” in the season-opening Bathurst 500 on 23-25 February, and confirmed that Todd Hazelwood, who was expected to be named as one of the team’s endurance co-drivers, will instead race the #99 Chevrolet Camaro.
The statement said, in part, “Contrary to media reports, Brodie Kostecki remains part of the Erebus Motorsport family and is a valued member of our team.
“Brodie has indicated he’s not in a position to take part in the opening round of the 2024 Supercars Championship.”
In a statement on behalf of Supercars, CEO Shane Howard said: “We understand the gravity of Brodie’s decision and the challenges he may be facing at this time.
“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.”
Photo by: Edge Photographics
Brodie Kostecki, Erebus Motorsport Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Hazelwood is expected to join the team next week to test two newly-built Erebus Camaros alongside new teammate Jack Le Brocq. Ironically, the two drivers were teammates at Matt Stone Racing teammate in 2022.
Whatever happens prior to the second round of the Supercars Championship at Albert Park on 21-24 March, even a temporary absence by Kostecki is a significant blow to Erebus, which won the 2023 Team’s title and took first and fifth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Last season Le Brocq finished the Drivers’ Championship in 12th with MSR, and Hazelwood 21st with Blanchard Racing Team.
It was reported on Tuesday that Kostecki has split with Erebus and will sit out the 2024 season.
Motorsport.com understands that there have been tensions within the Erebus team for some time, with Kostecki reportedly having a major fall-out with the squad on the eve of the Tailem Bend round in August of last year.
With Kostecki under contract at Erebus, it looks unlikely he would be released to join another team. That would mean that he would be unlikely to participate even as a co-driver in the series’ endurance events, the Sandown 500 and the Bathurst 1000.
Kostecki admits he’s at “crossroads” during Motorsport Australia Awards
Kostecki admits he’s at “crossroads” during Motorsport Australia Awards Kostecki admits he’s at “crossroads” during Motorsport Australia Awards
Why Kostecki's Supercars absence isn't all bad news
Why Kostecki's Supercars absence isn't all bad news Why Kostecki's Supercars absence isn't all bad news
Supercars champ Kostecki to split from Erebus team in shock move
Supercars champ Kostecki to split from Erebus team in shock move Supercars champ Kostecki to split from Erebus team in shock move
Childress wants Kostecki for more NASCAR Cup races in 2024
Childress wants Kostecki for more NASCAR Cup races in 2024 Childress wants Kostecki for more NASCAR Cup races in 2024
Erebus adamant it won't hobble Brown
Erebus adamant it won't hobble Brown Erebus adamant it won't hobble Brown
Van Gisbergen leads ringers with top-ten finish at Indianapolis
Van Gisbergen leads ringers with top-ten finish at Indianapolis Van Gisbergen leads ringers with top-ten finish at Indianapolis
Brown takes blame for "balls-up" Bathurst 1000 qualifying crash
Brown takes blame for "balls-up" Bathurst 1000 qualifying crash Brown takes blame for "balls-up" Bathurst 1000 qualifying crash
Ford Aero, new Supercars tyre to be tested at The Bend
Ford Aero, new Supercars tyre to be tested at The Bend Ford Aero, new Supercars tyre to be tested at The Bend
Barry Ryan opens up on Brown defection
Barry Ryan opens up on Brown defection Barry Ryan opens up on Brown defection
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation Verstappen: No change in Horner relationship amid Red Bull investigation
Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods
Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods Unpicking the secrets of Red Bull’s brave new F1 sidepods
Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash Blaney "sick of paying" for bad pushes after vicious Duel crash
Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins
Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins Daytona 500: Duel #2 marred by massive crash; Bell wins
Motorsport.com writers' most memorable moments of 2022
Motorsport.com writers' most memorable moments of 2022 Motorsport.com writers' most memorable moments of 2022
Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match
Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match
How taming his temper shaped Supercars' slow-burn star
How taming his temper shaped Supercars' slow-burn star How taming his temper shaped Supercars' slow-burn star
Why replacing Supercars' GOAT with a teenager is worth the risk for T8
Why replacing Supercars' GOAT with a teenager is worth the risk for T8 Why replacing Supercars' GOAT with a teenager is worth the risk for T8
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.