FOR the first time since winning the 2017 Super2 Series, Todd Hazelwood will not be on the full-time Supercars Championship grid next year.
The popular driver confirmed as much this morning, following news he will part ways with the Blanchard Racing Team at season’s end.
Even as BRT expands from one main game entry to two, there will be no room for Hazelwood, with the Box Hill-based Ford squad signing champion James Courtney and promoting Aaron Love from its Super2 ranks.
For Hazelwood, it’s been a difficult twist in his career, having left Matt Stone Racing to take up the BRT seat vacated by Tim Slade, only to see 2022 MSR teammate Jack Le Brocq flourish.
Things looked promising when BRT became the first team to test a Gen3 Supercar, and Hazelwood vied for a Perth podium in April.
It’s been a tough slog thereafter amid staff turnover, expansion efforts and parity woes, Hazelwood showing some flashes of speed but recording just one top 10 result in the past 16 races to plummet to 22nd in the championship.
The 28-year-old last month voiced frustration that he’d “felt like I’ve had both hands tied behind my back at stages” but remained hopeful of renewing with BRT or otherwise using 2024 as “a year to try to rejuvenate my name and my brand”.
Despite the outcome, Hazelwood was typically positive in conveying the news today.
“It has been an honour to represent CoolDrive Auto Parts and work with the affiliated brands and team partners. I also want to extend my gratitude to all the CoolDrive staff who have always made me feel more than welcome,” he wrote.
“Thank you to John and Tim Blanchard for the opportunity to race their #3 Mustang this year and huge thanks to the crew for their work and efforts this season.
“Although I won’t be racing in the 2024 Supercars Championship in a full-time role, I’m super excited for the future and cannot wait to make next season one of my biggest years of racing to date!
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“I am still heavily motivated, hungry for success and working hard to ensure I align my future commitments in a competitive environment and tasting success along the way.
“I’m currently finalising my plans for 2024 and looking forward to sharing what’s next.
“A huge thank you must go to my personal partners for their ongoing support: Motul, Border Towing, Lack Group, East Coast Bullbars, Rob Sinclair Corporation, Guy McEntyre, Truckmate Australia, All Points Glass Thomastown, Schulz Painters & Decorators, King’s Fibreglass, Heavylec, Aldom Transport Engineering, DriTimes, Dixxon Flannel, PREPD Hydration, CRG Karts, Primera, Busfleet Australia and Ford Motor Company.
“Finally, special thank you to all the TH Gold, Silver and Bronze Members and race fans for all your amazing support. Always feel so lucky to have such a positive and supportive fan base and really appreciate all the support from all corners of the country!
“I look forward to finishing 2023 on a high and can’t wait to bring on next year!”
