Kostecki: Erebus ‘very supportive’ of DJR move

Brodie Kostecki insists that there is no bad blood between himself and Erebus Motorsport after today’s announcement that he will be joining Dick Johnson Racing in 2025.

In a move that has been rumoured for months, the reigning champion will drive a Ford for the first time since his rookie season in Super2 back in 2017

Kostecki will drive alongside Will Davison in 2025, who was also confirmed to be staying on today after news broke on Tuesday of Anton De Pasquale’s departure to Team 18.

There was a joint announcement today at Norwell Motorplex on the Gold Coast, where Erebus simultaneously announced that Cooper Murray will slide into the #99 Camaro next season.

Erebus CEO Barry Ryan was present at the event, as were DJR co-owners Dick Johnson AM and Dr Ryan Story AM, as well as CEO David Noble.

Speaking to media after the announcement was made, Kostecki was asked whether he left Erebus with relationships still intact after the difficult title defence this season.

“The relationship is fine. There’s no secret that I went through some issues, but it’s great to be able to finish this season, and to get advice from Barry who gave me my first opportunity, and Betty [Klimenko] as well was fantastic.

“They’ve been very supportive of me, Betty really wants another Bathurst trophy so I’ll do my best to try and deliver.

Kostecki also insisted that his focus would remain on securing more success with Erebus across the final four rounds of 2024, despite the big attention the announcement has garnered.

“For me it’s just business as usual. It’s great to get this announcement out today but my eyes are solely on the Sandown 500 coming up soon,” said the 26-year-old.

“It’s exciting to be partnering up with Todd Hazelwood for the enduro season, and we’ve got plenty of races left with my current team at Erebus.

The reigning champion was also adamant that despite the big shift to one of the powerhouse teams in Supercars, the move is merely a career progression as opposed to a refresh.

“It’s not a fresh start, just a chance to build on what I’ve been building my whole life.

“I’m very hungry for success and so is the team that I’m going to be joining, and likewise so is the team that I’m leaving.

“It’s a funny industry sometimes, it’s very competitive, but I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Kostecki also commented on his excitement at driving a Ford Mustang for the first time in his career, becoming the third Kostecki to drive a Mustang after cousins Jake and Kurt shared a Tickford Mustang at Bathurst in 2022.

“It’s very exciting to join the Blue Oval, my family grew up mixed on GM and Ford, but it’s great to get an opportunity to drive for the Blue Oval and I look forward to driving a Ford Mustang next year.”