Mostert not holding back at Race Of Champions

Chaz Mostert is eager for the challenge of taking on some of world motorsport’s biggest names and a host of different cars at the Race Of Champions in Sydney.

Mostert, Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki — who combine for two Supercars titles, three Bathurst wins and 42 race wins — will contest this weekend’s event.

Brown and Kostecki — the last two Supercars champions — will link up at Team Australia Supercars, while Mostert was a late call-up for Team All-Stars.

The event will take place at Accor Stadium, famous for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and a host of famous football matches, is often a spectator spot for “NRL tragic” Mostert.

Now, though, two-time Bathurst winner Mostert will go up against the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel, Kurt Busch and Travis Pastrana.

“The word that comes to mind is honoured,” Mostert told media in Sydney.

“As a young Aussie kid, you dream of representing Australia, but also the opportunity to race against some of the best in the world as a race car driver.

“Even though it’s so different to what we’re used to as a Supercr driver, on such a small stadium circuit with so many different cars and disciplines, it’s really going to test to adaptability of us Supercar drivers.

“Hopefully we can throw it in the mix and have a little upset here and there.”

While the Race Of Champions is part fun, part competition, Mostert isn’t going out there to drive slowly.

“For us race car drivers, we always feel like we’re a little bit bulletproof once we lock into a car and we’ve got a nice cage around us,” Mostert said.

“Watch out the plastic bollards, they’re in a bit of trouble, and hopefully we stay away from the concrete ones.”

Brown described the circuit as a “little go kart track,” joked that he had to beat Mostert to an ROC berth, only for Mostert to get a call-up anyway due to the withdrawal of Mattias Ekstrom.

“It’s extremely different to what we’re used to… it's an honour to be invited,” Brown said.

"I remember last year they said whoever wins the Supercars Championship is going to get an invite. I thought, I've got to beat that Chaz Mostert, then he bloody gets a call-up, I don’t know about this!

"I am super excited.”

The event also reunites former teammates Brown and Kostecki, with the latter replacing Jamie Whincup, who pulled out amid the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be here,” Kostecki said.

“To be teaming up with Will is great. We've have a great history together. Looking forward to putting our best foot forward and doing well for our country."