Erebus issues statement on champion Kostecki

Erebus Motorsport has confirmed champion driver Brodie Kostecki will not race at the season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500, with Todd Hazelwood to stand in.

In a team statement, Erebus said Kostecki — who won the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship — has "indicated he's not in a position to take part" in the first round of the new season.

Hazelwood, the 2017 Dunlop Super2 Series champion, will stand in for the reigning Supercars champion at the February 23-25 event.

"Contrary to media reports, Brodie Kostecki remains part of the Erebus Motorsport family and is a valued member of our team," the Erebus statement reads.

"Brodie has indicated he’s not in a position to take part in the opening round of the 2024 Supercars Championship. 

"Todd Hazelwood will stand in for Brodie at the Bathurst 500 from February 23-25."

Kostecki led Erebus to double championship glory in 2023, winning six races and claiming 10 pole positions — both season-high hauls. He was also voted Drivers' Driver by his peers.

Hazelwood will race at the Mountain alongside new Erebus recruit and former Matt Stone Racing teammate Jack Le Brocq, with the reigning champions set to test their new-for-2024 Gen3 Chevrolet Camaros next Wednesday.

In a Supercars statement, 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.

"In the meantime, we extend our support to Erebus as they navigate the start of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with Todd Hazelwood and Jack Le Brocq driving for the team.

"Defending a Championship title is never an easy task, but we are confident in Erebus's ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success on the track."

Erebus will begin its teams’ championship defence at the season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500 from February 23-25. Campsites are still available through Supercars.com. Ticketing and Corporate Experiences are available through Ticketek.