Goddard confirms Matt Stone Racing exit

Zane Goddard has confirmed he will leave Matt Stone Racing at the end of the 2021 season.

Goddard’s management confirmed Friday that the 22-year-old will not return with the team next season.

MSR will arrive in 2022 with a new driver line-up in 2022, with Jake Kostecki recently confirmed at Tickford Racing on a multi-year deal.

Goddard and Kostecki completed an historic share-car SuperLite program for MSR in 2020.

Both drivers were handed full-time seats for the 2021 season, with Kostecki leading Goddard in the points standings after seven events.

"Zane Goddard’s tenure at Matt Stone Racing will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2021 Repco Supercars season with several options being explored for 2022 and beyond,” the statement reads.

"The 22-year-old’s management and the team have been in discussion for some time, however have been unable to reach an agreement.

"Commercial objectives from Goddard and his personal sponsors were at the centre of this decision, along with several other issues that were raised during the course of negotiation.”

Management added: “There are a number of opportunities we’re exploring for Zane.

"It is a matter of finding the right fit for him so that he can continue to remain racing and build on his profile.

"There’s a real youth movement in Australian motorsport right now and Zane has the chance to be at the forefront of that, given his experience already in Supercars, coupled with the lessons learnt in places like Monaco, Silverstone and Monza racing single seaters.

"There are some great opportunities that lie ahead.”

Goddard, a British Formula 4 race winner and former Super2 driver, paid tribute to MSR to handing him his main game start.

"It isn’t an easy thing to make statements like this, however, after consultation with my management and sponsors, we’re in a position as though it feels right to explore some new opportunities,” he said.

"I have nothing but gratitude to Matt and the entire team, along with their sponsors.

"We broke new ground with the SuperLite program last year, which led to me being a full time rookie this year - it was a huge step for both the team and I, which means a lot.

"However, I am working overtime towards what lies ahead next year.

"The sport is in an exciting phase - we’re seeing the average age of the grid reducing almost by the day and that is something I’m excited about.

"We’re looking at several options and nothing is off the table.

"My family and personal sponsors, who have been with me the entire way, are committed to what we’re announcing today and have all asserted that they remain on board and are really looking forward to what we can do.

"Now’s the time for the next chapter."

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