The key advice behind Kostecki's success

“Drive as many cars as you can”.

That’s the advice from Bathurst winner Paul Morris that has helped Brodie Kostecki become one of Supercars’ hardest competitors.

Kostecki has burst out of the blocks in 2023, and leads the championship by 100 points after three rounds.

Heading to the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint, Kostecki is a full race ahead of his closest rival, and has no intention of slowing down.

Kostecki’s journey to the top has been different than most, with the Perth product shunning open-wheelers for door-to-door racing.

Kostecki’s racing roots stem from grandfather Gene racing sand buggies, but a young Brodie has eyes on NASCAR.

He won in the USAC Ford Focus Series before moving into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, before he returned to Australia.

Alongside his Supercars commitments, Kostecki has recently sampled sprint cars and also drove a Trans Am Camaro last year.

Speaking on the Rusty’s Garage podcast, Kostecki said the variety of cars has helped him build his racing "toolbox”.

“I wouldn’t put it down to one category, I’d put it down to a variety of things I’ve raced,” Kostecki said.

“I’ve had a lot of support around me the last few years — Paul Morris has said to drive as many different cars as you can.

“You don’t want to get stuck in a single way of thinking, or driving — you want to be as open-minded as possible.

“You want to have as many tools in a toolbox you can draw from.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate to drive cars like that NASCAR K&N Pro Series car, and other cars as well.

Kostecki in the #23 in Iowa in 2014

“I probably put some of my success down to driving of those different things.”

Kostecki had to use all his tools in Perth as he fought Shane van Gisbergen for victory in thrilling fashion in Race 7.

The win went van Gisbergen’s way, but Kostecki demonstrated that he was no pushover as he defended robustly.

In nine starts this season, Kostecki has eight podiums — prior to 2023, that had happened just 15 times, with the driver winning the title on 12 occasions.

Kostecki has also won two races, both coming at Albert Park, and has claimed ARMOR ALL Pole Positions in Newcastle and Melbourne.

Like van Gisbergen and Cam Waters, Kostecki has praised speedway racing for helping sharpen his focus.

“I’m going to be doing a bit more when the calendar aligns properly, and when I have enough time after a sprint car round to catch my breath,” he said.

Kostecki has won in speedway this year

“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge so far. It’s probably been the most frustrating thing I’ve ever done in my whole life.

“These cars are absolutely crazy, you’re strapped to 900 horsepower. You get out and you feel like you’ve got back into a world that’s in slow motion.

“It’s been great for me jumping out of that car and jumping back into a Supercar, everything feels like it slows down a lot, which is pretty cool.

“It’s definitely helped me out this year.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint on May 19-21.

Kostecki has two top 10 finishes in six starts at Symmons Plains, with a best of fourth coming in the first 2022 race.

Tickets for the event are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.