No full-time drive for Hazelwood in 2024

Todd Hazelwood has confirmed he won’t be on the grid in a full-time capacity in the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship.

Hazelwood announced he won’t race full-time next season in the main game as Blanchard Racing Team confirmed James Courtney and Aaron Love in an expanded line-up.

The 2017 Super2 champion joined BRT this year after a two-year stint with Brad Jones Racing between 2020 and 2021 was followed by a single season with Matt Stone Racing.

It was MSR that gave Hazelwood his first full-time seat in 2018, with driver and team combining to win the 2017 Super2 title.

There are five seats to be formally announced, at BJR and Tickford Racing. However, both are likely to retain their current drivers. Andre Heimgartner is locked in with BJR, with Macauley Jones, Jack Smith and Bryce Fullwood set to stay. Tickford Racing, depsite downsizing to two cars, is expected to retain Cam Waters and Thomas Randle, with Courtney off to BRT.

Hazelwood has shown glimpses of speed this season, highlighted by a stirring drive to fourth in the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint opener.

However, an untimely Bathurst DNF has Hazelwood wedged in 22nd overall with two rounds remaining, including this weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

The South Aussie driver, however, remained upbeat about his future in a statement, saying: "Today I am announcing that my role with the Blanchard Racing Team will come to an end at the finale of the 2023 Supercars Championship.

"It has been an honour to represent CoolDrive Auto Parts and work with the affiliated brands and team partners. I also want to extend my gratitude to all the CoolDrive staff who have always made me feel more than welcome.

"Thank you to John and Tim Blanchard for the opportunity to race their #3 Mustang this year and huge thanks to the crew for their work and efforts this season.

"Although I won’t be racing in the 2024 Supercars Championship in a full time role, I’m super excited for the future and cannot wait to make next season one of my biggest years of racing to date!

"I’m currently finalising my plans for 2024 and looking forward to sharing what’s next.

"A huge thank you must go to my personal partners for their ongoing support: Motul, Border Towing, Lack Group, East Coast Bullbars, Rob Sinclair Corporation, Guy McEntyre, Truckmate Australia, All Points Glass Thomastown, Schulz Painters & Decorators, King’s Fibreglass, Heavylec, Aldom Transport Engineering, DriTimes, Dixxon Flannel, PREPD Hydration, CRG Karts, Primera, Busfleet Australia and Ford Motor Company.

"Finally, special thank you to all the TH Gold, Silver and Bronze Members and race fans for all your amazing support. Always feel so lucky to have such a positive and supportive fan base and really appreciate all the support from all corners of the country!  

"I look forward to finishing 2023 on a high and can't wait to bring on next year.”

Hazelwood will hit the track in the #3 CoolDrive Ford on the Surfers streets for the first time on Friday.