Kostecki explains DJR's motive behind blockbuster deal
Reigning champ Brodie Kostecki to join DJR in 2025
DJR wanted driver to "bring the team back in form," says Bathurst winner
Ford team has won of the last 57 races since September 2022
Brodie Kostecki says Dick Johnson Racing's motivation behind his deal was centred on returning the Ford team to form following a string of "lacklustre" seasons.
Kostecki will trade Erebus Motorsport colours for Shell V-Power Racing Team red in 2025, with the reigning champion replacing Team 18-bound Anton De Pasquale.
In one of the biggest silly season moves in Supercars history, Kostecki will swap an Erebus Chevrolet for a DJR Ford come next year, with the 2023 champion to make his Ford debut in Sydney next February.
DJR is determined to return to its dominant days of the Penske/Scott McLaughlin era, when the team won 56 of 114 races, three drivers' titles, three teams' titles and a Bathurst 1000 between 2017 and 2020.
Between 2021 and 2024, DJR has won 11 of 114 races, and just one of the last 57 dating back to September 2022.
In another clear sign of the team's determination to climb the time sheets, DJR has struck a deal to use Erebus-built chassis from 2025, remarkably keeping Kostecki aboard Erebus machinery.
DJR Team Principal Dr Ryan Story recently batted away suggestions the team is motivated to defend fifth in the teams' standings, instead insisting "it doesn't matter" if his team isn't winning.
Team owner Johnson, meanwhile, has been a fan of Kostecki since the then Erebus o-driver outmuscled Jamie Whincup at the 2020 Bathurst 1000, leading to Whincup's shock error.
Speaking ahead of the season-ending VAILO Adelaide 500, Kostecki said the team laid out its plan to fight back to the top, and he was a key part of it.
“[David Noble, DJR CEO] and the ‘the Doc’, Ryan Story, who are part of the consortium that run Shell V-Power Racing, they wanted someone who could bring the team back in form,” Kostecki told the FIVEAA Sports Show.
“They've had a bit of a lacklustre last few years, and I’m good mates with Scott McLaughlin, who’s over in the States racing IndyCar.
“I got a text message saying we should catch up, and the rest is history, and a few weeks later, I was signed."
DJR will get a Kostecki in red-hot form, with the outgoing Erebus driver dominating the Repco Bathurst 1000 and Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 finale in recent weeks.
Kostecki's recent speed gives DJR confidence its new recruit can perform on the biggest stage, with Supercars to adopt a new elimination-style Finals Series next year - something Kostecki is keen for.
“There’s a new point system coming next year, I’m very excited about that,” the 27-year-old said.
“I think it’s going to be great for our sport, and it sort of aligns ourselves with other sports, with the Grand Final system, which is great to see.
“It’ll allow for more competition going into the last round to be in contention for the championship, which is cool.”
Kostecki will conclude his Erebus tenure at the VAILO Adelaide 500 from November 14-17. Tickets for the season finale are on sale now.
