Hazelwood keen to make 'unique' chance count
Supercars
01 Feb 2024
Todd Hazelwood keen to keep Erebus on top
Hazelwood to stand in for Brodie Kostecki at Bathurst 500
2017 Super2 champion had already lined up co-drive
Todd Hazelwood is determined to keep Erebus Motorsport’s wheels in motion ahead of a sudden return to the Supercars grid.
Hazelwood, the 2017 Super2 champion, will stand in for reigning champion Brodie Kostecki at this month's season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500.
The 28-year-old was set for a stint on the sidelines, and had a co-drive with Erebus lined up — only to be thrust back into the hot seat.
Hazelwood has since had his “finger glued to the phone” following Wednesday’s news — but speaking to Supercars.com, the South Aussie is more than up to the task.
“No word of a lie, it is a unique opportunity for me,” Hazelwood said.
"The plan for me this year was to take a side step and be a co-driver, that was set in place and due to be announced.
“To step into a car given their success last year, there’s no reason we can’t replicate that moving forward. That’s my ambition.
“I need to do everything I can to keep the team’s wheels in motion. The preparation hasn’t been compromised one bit at the workshop.
“It’s a huge opportunity, but I’m not undermining the job ahead for me to fulfil the role for Brodie."
Hazelwood will swap a Blanchard Racing Team Mustang for a brand-new Erebus Camaro, which he will shake down next Tuesday before completing a full test on Wednesday.
It also reunites Hazelwood with good mate Jack Le Brocq, with the duo forming Matt Stone Racing’s driver line-up in 2022.
Hazelwood also reunites with Erebus CEO Barry Ryan, who engineered the driver during the 2012 Formula Ford season.
Despite being given the keys to championship-winning machinery, Hazelwood is far from rusty, given he has already turned laps since the 2023 Supercars season ended last November.
Hazelwood had been working behind the scenes on a Trans Am program, and had already tested the car prior to this week’s news. He also locked in a drive coach role with former Supercars engineer Wes McDougall.
“I’m very fortunate to have some familiar faces there,” he said.
“I’m really good mates with Jack, and I worked alongside Barry 12 years ago now, so it’s somewhat of a reunion.
“We have a heads down, bum up mentality now. Working backwards from Round 1, there’s not a lot of time.
“I want to use every moment of the day to make sure I’m best prepared for race day in Bathurst.
"It’s a unique scenario, but I’m keen to get some laps and knowledge under my belt before the first race."
