Get ready for some thrilling racing action! Brodie Kostecki, a rising star in the Supercars world, has just hit the track with a brand-new ride. But this isn't just any car; it's a chassis with a fascinating backstory and a controversial twist!
The Unraced Chassis:
Brodie Kostecki recently tested a chassis that had never been raced before, formerly owned by the Blanchard Racing Team (BRT). The chassis, now named DJRS-09-MR, was initially crafted by Erebus Motorsport's fabricator, Jimmy White, but remained unused by BRT. In a surprising turn of events, BRT formed an alliance with Triple Eight for the 2026 season and sold the chassis to Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) late last year. This move was significant, as Erebus had announced mid-season that they would no longer supply customer teams, making DJR's acquisition a strategic one.
A Requested Switch:
When Brodie Kostecki joined DJR from Erebus for the 2025 season, he requested a switch to a chassis built by Jimmy White. He initially raced in DJR's first Erebus-built chassis, DJRS-07-MR, from the Sydney opener until a crash at the Gold Coast took him out of the championship race. Kostecki then finished the season in DJRS-08-MR, previously driven by Will Davison.
Impressive Results:
Kostecki's talent shone through as he secured ninth place in the 2025 championship, with race wins at Townsville, The Bend, and Adelaide. His performance earned him Johnson's iconic #17 plate for the 2026 season, while his new teammate, Rylan Gray, will sport the #38 plate.
The Rookie's Challenge:
Rylan Gray will also drive the DJRS-08-MR chassis and is scheduled for a rookie test day at Queensland Raceway on February 9. Meanwhile, Triple Eight, now in charge of Ford homologation team duties, will be at the same track, testing their new Mustangs. Supercars will also bring a Supra and a Camaro to the venue for parity evaluations, adding an extra layer of excitement to the pre-season preparations.
Controversial Aero Changes:
The Mustang's 2026 aero package has undergone minor adjustments, including a new leading-edge side skirt packer, a lower decklid height, and an increased rear wing angle. But here's where it gets controversial—these changes have sparked debates among fans and experts alike. Will these modifications give certain teams an unfair advantage? Only time will tell as the season unfolds.
What do you think about these aero changes? Are they a necessary evolution or a potential source of controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's get the conversation rolling!
