SUPERCARS boss Shane Howard has written an open letter regarding the Brodie Kostecki/Erebus Motorsport saga which has rocked the championship.
It’s been confirmed Kostecki, the 2023 champion, will miss this month’s season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500.
MORE: Hazelwood opens up on sudden Erebus chance
The controversy has been shrouded in secrecy, with Kostecki believed to be unwilling to drive for Erebus again despite being contracted until the end of this year.
Contrary to initial fears about Kostecki’s wellbeing, it’s become clear a severe falling out between driver and team is to blame.
Several sponsors including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have departed the team in recent days, leading Erebus to roll out a mostly bare livery for its two-car shakedown today at Winton.
Supercars has come under fire for its handling of the issue, sparking Howard to address the situation and extend support to both parties.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard’s open letter, in full:
Dear Supercars Community,
I want to address the recent developments between Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport that resulted in Brodie not racing for the Erebus team at the upcoming Thrifty Bathurst 500. The situation has garnered significant attention and speculation, and I feel it’s crucial from a Supercars perspective to provide clarity and context.
I’ve personally been in confidential dialogue with Brodie both leading into and following the announcement. I’ve also had extensive discussions about the matter over recent weeks with Erebus Motorsport management, including Barry Ryan and Betty Klimenko. There have been suggestions that Supercars hasn’t engaged in these conversations or has taken sides. This is simply incorrect and misleading.
The ongoing nature of this situation, between Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport which is yet to be resolved, is why none of the parties involved will comment on the matter at this time. We respect the rights of all individual parties, including their discretion to resolve matters in a confidential manner. Efforts are continuing to be made to facilitate and encourage the parties to find a practical and workable solution in the best interests of all stakeholders.
There has been considerable commentary on this matter, and some of it has been disappointing. We urge everyone to approach this situation with understanding, empathy and patience it deserves.
The circumstances at hand are ultimately a matter between the owners and management of Erebus Motorsport and their contracted driver, Brodie Kostecki. Supercars has offered our full support to all parties and will continue to do so.
Racing is a passion that should be enjoyed by everyone, be it as a spectator, volunteer, sponsor, team owner, employee, or driver.
Yours faithfully,
Shane Howard
Chief Executive Officer
