Brown set to run #1 in championship defence

Will Brown is set to run the champion’s #1 in 2025 as he looks to defend his Repco Supercars Championship triumph.

The Queenslander clinched the title with second place in Saturday’s VAILO Adelaide 500 opener, behind teammate Broc Feeney. Having won the crown, Brown has the option of running his #87, or carrying the champion’s #1.

Speaking in the post-race press conference, Brown revealed that he might bring the number back to Triple Eight, which last ran the #1 with Jamie Whincup in 2018.

"I haven’t actually spoken with the team yet to see what we’ll do there,” he said.

“I’d say I’d be disappointed if we didn’t run it, if we didn’t get the opportunity later in the career. I think while you’ve got the opportunity now, you’ll probably have to run it.”

The #1 went missing between 2019 and 2023, with Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen keeping the respective #17 and #97.

Whincup carried the #1 after all seven of his championships, as did James Courtney after his 2010 win, and Mark Winterbottom in 2015.

Reigning champion Brodie Kostecki brought it back in 2024, albeit not until the third round in New Zealand after he missed the first two events.

"I thought how cool it was last year, Brodie winning the championship and I was in Broc’s situation, I knew how it felt,” Brown added.

“But right now I don’t know how to take it. It’s really exciting, I’m over the moon. It’s what I’ve been working on for a long time now. To join Red Bull Ampol Racing this year and to win with them in my first year is fantastic.”

Brown will be officially crowned champion following Sunday's Race 24.