Brodie Kostecki has never been one to shy away from confidence, but in the past week he’s shown fans a different side of himself — raw, emotional, and deeply connected to the people around him.
Just days after revisiting his rare tears at Bathurst — when he and Todd Hazelwood claimed a famous win by leading 157 of 161 laps and fending off Broc Feeney in a heart-stopping finish — Kostecki gave followers another glimpse into life away from the cameras. On Instagram, he shared a story from the Dick Johnson Racing workshop, where instead of heading out to a restaurant, the team sat down for dinner among the engines, trophies, and their Shell V-Power Mustangs. “When they said let’s have dinner at the workshop… Thanks again @liamtalbotracing for a great night,” he wrote, standing alongside teammates, family, and crew with Bathurst silverware sitting proudly on the table.
That casual evening comes off the back of some serious words. Speaking on his own podcast, Kostecki admitted:
I’m a cocky son of a bitch, I always knew I was going to win Bathurst at some point… but to see the emotion on Todd’s face and his family, that was pretty special to me.
For Kostecki, the win wasn’t just about personal glory — it was about delivering a dream for his old housemate Hazelwood, a driver who once had to sell sausages to keep his racing career alive, and who lost his full-time seat before Barry Ryan and Erebus Motorsport opened the door.
Since then, Hazelwood has gone on to win back-to-back races, but it was that “sliding doors” text from Erebus just 20 minutes after he was cut by Blanchard Racing that changed the trajectory of both his and Kostecki’s careers. Together, they became Bathurst champions.
Now, though, the narrative has shifted. Kostecki is in his first season with Dick Johnson Racing, already tasting victory in Townsville and pairing with Hazelwood again to win the Bend 500. The expectations are sky-high. As he put it bluntly:
Winning the championship would be a pass mark. Anything else is just unacceptable.
That’s not just talk — it’s the measure he sets for himself and the legendary DJR outfit.
And this Bathurst, the team will arrive with a refreshed look. In partnership with Personalised Plates Queensland, the #38 Mustang will swap its KO5T3KI plate for CH4MP, celebrating the reigning champions. Will Davison’s #17, meanwhile, will run with 2XWINNER, honouring his Great Race triumphs in 2009 and 2016. As CEO David Noble said:
Seeing the wins reflected on their cars at Bathurst is truly inspiring.
The tweaked livery, the weight of expectation, and the emotional baggage of defending their crown all converge at Mount Panorama on October 9. For Kostecki, it’s the continuation of a story that’s already delivered tears, triumphs, and bold declarations. From raising a glass in the workshop with his crew, to eyeing off back-to-back Bathurst victories, he’s sending one clear message — this campaign is about more than just racing. It’s about proving himself, honouring his mates, and showing that in 2025, nothing less than a title will do
