Todd Hazelwood aiming for redemption with Brodie Kostecki in Bathurst
Hazelwood and Kostecki dominated last year's AirTouch 500 at The Bend
2025 Bathurst campaign fell apart after Kostecki claimed dominant pole
A fired-up Todd Hazelwood will kick off his third enduro campaign with Brodie Kostecki armed with a big shot at redemption at Mount Panorama.
Kostecki and Hazelwood will commence the Ryco Enduro Cup season as hot favourites, having won the inaugural AirTouch 500 at The Bend.
Having tasted the highest of highs at the Mountain in 2024, last year was a rollercoaster for Kostecki and Hazelwood, who were short-priced favourites on race day.
The Kostecki/Hazelwood Ford launched from pole at Mount Panorama, and was in the fight for victory before the race unravelled. Kostecki was caught up in a number of incidents, before a malfunctioning alternator put paid to their chances.
When asked by Supercars.com if he heads to Bathurst chasing redemption, Hazelwood said: “Yeah, absolutely.
“We have serious unfinished business from Bathurst last year. The first half of the race was really strong before an alternator issue crept in. That was something out of our control.
“Unfortunately the race just didn't go our way towards the end.”
Hazelwood arrives at The Bend as one of the sharpest co-drivers in the field, having returned to defend his Trans Am title.
The South Aussie driver is also armed with an opportunity to help Kostecki improve his seeding position for The Finals.
When asked if he’s feeling pressure to put Kostecki up the order, Hazelwood replied: “No. I think you've got to embrace the pressure, to be honest. I always say pressure builds diamonds.
“Like no different to last year, my job was to obviously perform at the highest level. I felt like we did a really good job last year and that same pressure was there, being the expectation of being previous Bathurst winners.
“It was probably the most pressure I've ever felt, and I felt like we executed quite well. From my side of the fence, at The Bend, I felt like I was probably the best prepared co-driver, and I think that really showed. And then going to Bathurst, my first opening stints were really strong.
“I just have to trust the process and focus on doing the job and the result will take care of itself.”
Track action at The Bend will commence on Friday September 11.
