Young MSR duo eyeing competitive 2021

Zane Goddard expects Matt Stone Racing to be more competitive in 2021 amid a busy off-season.

Goddard and Jake Kostecki have been elevated to full-time drives, having shared the #34 entry in 2020.

The two young drivers impressed last season despite their limited programmes, with Goddard clinching a top 10 at Sydney Motorsport Park.

MSR continues to bolster its ranks, already locking in its engineering line-up and returning to Super2 and Super3 competition.

Supercars legend Glenn Seton has also joined the team to engineer Jason Gomersall's Super3 entry, with son Aaron set to make his Super2 debut.

However, eyes will be on Goddard and Kostecki, both drivers completing solid running at Queensland Raceway on Wednesday.

Ahead of Friday's official pre-season test, Goddard was pleased with his team's first track running of the year.

"Everything's working well, nothing's shaking around, so that's a good start," the 21-year-old said.

"I'm starting to get a rapport with my new engineer, it's sort of a weird situation where we've got a junior and senior engineer.

"That's quite cool and something to get used to. We've been trying to improve the car as the day's gone on, then Friday, get some fast laps in."

The 2021 season will be MSR's fourth in the main game, but first with two full-time drivers in both cars.

Goddard believes the team is well-placed to have both cars competing in the top half of the grid.

"The team has put a lot of work in the off-season, so we expect the cars are going to be a bit more competitive," he said.

"If we could be mid-teens on average, that's something we can strive for.

"Then the occasional race when we're poking around the top 10, maybe just crack into it... but who knows.

"Maybe a wet race will pop up where we can get a better result, or some weird strategy can boost us up the order.

"You've just got to be there when the moments arise. That's got to be the target."

Kostecki, the youngest driver on the 24-car grid, recorded a best finish of 14th in 2020.

Having enjoyed his first taste among solo racers last year, the 21-year-old is keen to sink his teeth into a full 12-round campaign.

"Last year, it was good to be in the championship, even doing half the series," Kostecki said.

"Just to get my name in there and see what it's all about. 

"This year, I want to be in the middle of the pack and hopefully in the top 10 as well."

MSR will hit Queensland Raceway on Friday ahead of the season-opening Repco Mt Panorama 500 later this month. Tickets are on sale now.