Kostecki NASCAR Cup debut confirmed

Erebus Motorsport driver Brodie Kostecki will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut next month in Indianapolis.

Kostecki's Cup Series debut will come in the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, at the Indianapolis Road Course on August 13.

It comes on the weekend that IndyCar and NASCAR will race at the same circuit on the same weekend.

Kostecki will race the Richard Childress Racing #33 Camaro backed by MobileX.

The Perth-born driver will make his Cup Series debut a week ahead of the OTR SuperSprint alongside RCR regulars Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon.

Kostecki is no stranger to NASCAR, having completed a stint in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2013 and 2014.

In 14 races, Kostecki claimed two poles, one track record and one top five finish.

“I am thrilled to be making my NASCAR Cup debut at the Brickyard,” Kostecki said.

“It’s an honour to compete at such an iconic venue and against some of the biggest names in motorsport.

“I’m incredibly grateful to RCR for giving me this opportunity and I’m determined to make the most of it.”

It comes after Shane van Gisbergen made a successful debut for Trackhouse’s Project91 program on the Chicago streets.

Van Gisbergen became the first driver in 60 years to win on his Cup Series debut earlier this month.

Kostecki will be joined on track by 2009 Formula One champion Jenson Button (Rick Ware Racing), and ex-F1 driver and Le Mans winner Kamui Kobayashi (23XI Racing).

Earlier this year, the Erebus driver joined teammate Will Brown in a flying visit to the United States to be with RCR.

While Kostecki and co. were trackside with RCR, Busch won at World Wide technology Raceway.

The Erebus/RCR relationship was forged through Image Racing’s Terry Wyhoon.

“Racing is at the core of everything I do, and NASCAR has been a lifelong goal of mine after spending years growing up in the sports heartland in North Carolina,” Kostecki added.

Kostecki led the championship for much of the 2023 season

“It’s a whole different world over there and any additional time I can spend racing is only going to help me try and win my first Supercars Championship.

“We got some great exposure to the inner sanctum of the team during our recent trip, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the team, this time as a Cup Series driver.

“I can’t thank MobileX, Erebus, VAILO, Shaw & Partners, Southern Cross Truck Rentals and all my supporting partners enough for coming on board.”

Erebus CEO Barry Ryan added: "We have always encouraged Brodie’s pursuit of more racing opportunities.

“Providing him with the chance to explore and excel in various racing disciplines not only enhances his skills but also contributes to the overall growth and success of our team.”

The Camaro will be backed by MobileX, via Kostecki’s relationship with CEO Peter Adderton, who also leads Boost Mobile.

Kostecki’s cameo will also be backed by VAILO, which is making its move into the States, as well as Shaw & Partners and Southern Cross Truck Rentals.

“We couldn't be more excited about sponsoring out first NASCAR with international star driver Brodie Kostecki with the Richard Childress MobileX race team,” Adderton said.

“MobileX is all about saving American consumers money on their wireless bill, by using AI to help you know what data you need before you need it.

“MobileX is about being authentic, real and being yourself so there is no better fit than NASCAR as the first outing of the MobileX.”

VAILO CEO and Founder Aaron Hickmann added: “VAILO is excited to support Brodie as he makes his debut into NASCAR.

"In parallel with Brodie's journey, VAILO is also venturing into the United States and has strategic plans to expand its operations in Texas within the next year.

"We have demonstrated our expertise in motorsport here in Australia, particularly with the recent installation of our lights and digital displays at The Bend Dragway and the VAILO Adelaide 500.

“We look forward to showing our capabilities at speedways in the US."

Kostecki will head to Charlotte after the upcoming Beaurepaires Sydney SuperSprint before racing in Indianapolis.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on July 28-30. Tickets are on sale now.