Kostecki and Erebus united in final mission

Brodie Kostecki, Barry Ryan and Erebus Motorsport have put the past behind as they embark on one final mission together, “win Bathurst.”

On Thursday, August 29, it finally became official that 2024 would be Kostecki’s last year at Erebus with the news he was off to Dick Johnson Racing.

To fill the void in the #99, Erebus has carried on its philosophy of backing youth and turned to Cooper Murray.

But before these changes happen, the four biggest rounds of the Supercars season still lie ahead and both Erebus and Kostecki are as hungry as ever for success.

Whilst the pair produced a special campaign to soar to a historic maiden championship title last year, their last race victory was at Tailem Bend more than 12 months ago.

Although Kostecki and Erebus finished in the top 10 in the final six races to remain consistent enough to secure the teams and drivers titles, they had to watch others celebrate in victory lane at Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

Since then a dispute erupted between the champion driver and team, leading to the #1 Camaro being sidelined for the first two rounds of 2024.

Kostecki returned to the field at Taupo and has scored one podium in the races since at Darwin.

But now with their futures secured, the pair are determined to end their four-year journey together on a high, with the Peter Brock Trophy the number one objective.

“It is a new chapter for everyone,” Ryan said.

“It is disappointing he is leaving, but four years is still a good term with the team.

“(But) Brodie is definitely not going to give in and just think about a red car. He is going to be fighting them as hard as anything.

“We have said to each other ‘lets win Bathurst’ before you leave and maybe even Sandown, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

“We are going full steam ahead to make sure we can win some of those big races.”

Aside from some wildcard appearances for Kostecki Brothers Racing in 2019, all of Kostecki’s big moments have come with Erebus starting at Bathurst 2020 when a young co-driver in the #99 showed he was not afraid to take the fight to Jamie Whincup.

Since stepping up to the main game in 2021 he went from strength to strength with the team, getting a podium in their second round before it all culminated in the 2023 championship success.

Kostecki, who is co-driving with Todd Hazelwood, said he is still committed as ever to achieving results with Erebus and is desperate to win at Bathurst after being second best from pole last year.

“It is no secret the start of this year was very difficult with myself having some personal issues, but I am very much looking forward to the rest of the year with my current team Erebus,” he said.

“We have had such great history together, winning a championship, six race wins and 11 poles are things I am very proud of.

“I am friends with most of the guys on that team and it is a strong bond we will always have and go into enduros together.

“Hopefully Todd and I can get that big Bathurst trophy because it is one Betty (Klimenko) really wants as well.”

Image: Supplied

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