The childhood dream fuelling Hazelwood's Bathurst bid

It wouldn't be stretch to say the last 12 months have been life changing for Todd Hazelwood.

Having battled through a full-time career in Supercars in midfield machinery, an opportunity to partner Brodie Kostecki at Erebus Motorsport was the biggest opportunity of his career.

The South Australian made the most of that chance, and became the 86th winner in ATCC/Supercars history at Bathurst alongside his former housemate.

Having ticked off two major career milestones in one day, the 29-year-old is now gearing up to fulfil a lifelong dream in the upcoming Ryco Enduro Cup.

Hazelwood will make his first start for Dick Johnson Racing on home soil at Tailem Bend in South Australia, realising a dream that had stemmed from his earliest motorsport memories.

DJR is chasing its first Bathurst victory since 2019, and fourth overall after 1981, 1989 and 1994.

"It's really cool to go full circle, being a one-eyed Ford supporter and a bit of a DJR fan," Hazelwood told media at Monday's Bathurst launch.

"My first race suit was actually a Shell Helix racesuit at six years old, so to be representing the Shell colours now 20 years later is a really cool moment.

"It's one thing to represent DJ and the colours that we're wearing, but the reality is we're strapping ourselves in to the best job that we can."

Hazelwood, who now resides on the Gold Coast, has been a constant presence around DJR this year as he gets comfortable in his new surroundings.

The reigning champion of the Trans Am Series, and comfortably leading this year's standings, the 2017 Super2 champion is adamant that his familiarity will be an advantage when he rolls on track at Tailem Bend.

"It doesn't matter what colours or what brand I'm representing, when it comes race day I just want to do the best job that I can, and certainly aim for the desired outcome," Hazelwood said.

"We'll see how we go, it's certainly been really cool to be immersing myself in that program, working with Brodie closely behind the scenes.

"I only drive the car for two rounds of the year, but I've been in the workshop a lot, fortunately being only based not far from the workshop I've been able to almost immerse myself into the whole program which will play a pivotal part come enduro season."

The Ryco Enduro Cup begins at the AirTouch 500 at The Bend from September 12-14, before the Repco Bathurst 1000 from October 9-12.