Hazelwood realistic on future, reveals insight into Gray decision

Dick Johnson Racing enduro gun Todd Hazelwood has insisted that his loyalty remains firmly with the Shell V-Power Racing Team despite the acquisition of Rylan Gray to replace Will Davison next year.

When the news broke of Davison's impending departure from the team at seasons' end, many pointed towards 30-year-old Hazelwood, who turned in another sterling performance in this year's enduros.

However, mere hours later came the confirmation that DJR has secured the services of 18-year-old Gray on a multi-year deal, in what the team signalled as a "strategic shift."

Hazelwood is set to continue his formidable partnership with Kostecki in next year's enduros at The Bend and Bathurst, with Tony D'Alberto expected to partner Gray in an unchanged co-driver roster.

Whilst the 2017 Super2 champion admits that he still ponders what could be if given a competitive main game opportunity, he was quick to double down his commitment to both the team and Kostecki.

"By the time I was aware of the situation, the team had already decided that they were going to promote youth in 2026 and beyond, and obviously that was with Rylan," Hazelwood told Supercars.com when asked if he was considered to replace Davison.

"There is still that nagging question in my brain over whether or not I could do the job full-time with the right opportunity. However, it would be very difficult to break up the partnership with Brodie.

"To get the win at Bathurst last year, and then the win at The Bend this year was really special, and I felt like we were right in the mix to go back-to-back at Bathurst before things started to go against us.

"I'm still fully committed to my role within the team and as Brodie's co-driver, and I back the team 100%."

As he declared his intentions to help the team, he also paid tribute to the departing Davison, who is set to make his 600th career Supercars start on Saturday in Sandown.

"Exciting times at DJR, obviously it's sad to see Will go, he's been a massive team player for the organisation for a long period of time," Hazelwood said.

"It's been great working with Will, but on the flip side we've now got some youth coming into the team, and I guess from the team's point of view it's an investment for the future.

"Hopefully Rylan can start his career and grow his Supercars career with the team and learning from one of the best benchmarks in the category with Brodie as his teammate."

Gray will become the youngest full-time driver in the 46-year history of Dick Johnson Racing, turning 19 prior to the opening round of 2026 at the Sydney 500 in February.

The teenager, who is in the box seat to take out the Dunlop Super2 Series in Adelaide at the end of the month, will be in the DJR garage at Sandown to acclimatise with the team, which will also mark the first time Hazelwood will meet the rookie.

"Cool and exciting dynamic for the team moving forward, and looking forward to working with Rylan and seeing what he's all about," Hazelwood said.

"I don't know him from a bar of soap, I've never had a conversation with him at all, so looking forward to meeting Rylan this weekend at Sandown and seeing what he's all about and how he goes about his business."

Since a forced exit from full-time driving at the end of 2023, Hazelwood has kept busy with a Trans Am title win last year, and currently leads the standings entering the final two rounds of his title defence.

Hazelwood has also been involved heavily in driver coaching with renowned engineer Wes McDougall, renewing the pairing that won the 2017 Super2 crown. The South Australian is keen to impart some of his wisdom on Gray.

"Everything on paper from what he's been driving shows he's been doing an exceptional job, so hopefully that'll transpire in the car next year as well," Hazelwood said.

"I think he's shown he has all the ingredients to have success in the sport.

"The biggest thing with Rylan is he's still at a very tender age, he's still no doubt learning a lot and processing a lot in the short space of time that he's been behind the wheel."

With Aaron Cameron firming to maintain his seat at Hazelwood's former home at the Blanchard Racing Team, any potential full-time return for the popular 30-year-old will have to wait at least another year.