Hazelwood replaces Slade at BJR

Brad Jones Racing has announced the signing of Todd Hazelwood to complete its four-car driver line-up for the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

Hazelwood joins the team after six years at Matt Stone Racing – the first four in the Dunlop Super2 Series leading to winning the 2017 title before graduating to the main game.

The 24-year-old improved significantly this season to finish 18th in the championship, with a best result of fifth at Pukekohe in September, but had known for some time that he'd be in need of a new home as MSR headed a different direction.

Hazelwood replaces Tim Slade, who finished his four-year tenure with BJR on a high in the form of a third place at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 on Sunday.

For Hazelwood, the move represents a return to the team that gave him his first PIRTEK Enduro Cup drive, alongside Tim Blanchard in 2017, and a chance to further move up the grid.

He will be teammates with Nick Percat, Macauley Jones and fellow 2020 recruit Jack Smith.

“I am very proud to announce that I will be racing for Brad Jones Racing in 2020,” Hazelwood said.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me, and I’d like to thank Brad, Kim and the team for believing in my ability and seeing the value in what I can bring to the side.

“This is the next step in my career, and I’ll be giving it everything I have.

“I’m looking forward to the future and what we can all achieve working together.

“I can’t wait to start preparing for the year ahead and line up on the grid come Adelaide with the BJR crew.”

Team co-owner Brad Jones added he is pleased to link up with an emerging driver he has long kept an eye on.

“I have known Todd since he was a junior go-karter and I have watched him develop over the last 10 years,” Jones said.

“I’m excited at the prospect of him joining BJR, he is a Super2 Champion and heading into his third year in the main game.

“I feel like we will be in a good position to fight for podiums moving forward.”

Slade departs BJR having delivered a pair of victories at Winton in 2016 and a best championship placing of eighth that same year.

The 34-year-old is expected to be a prized co-driver signing for next year’s PIRTEK Enduro Cup, in between likely international GT ventures.