TICKFORD Racing has announced a late change to its 2023 Repco Supercars Championship squad, cutting ties with Jake Kostecki.
V8 Sleuth broke the news shortly before Christmas that the 22-year-old would not return for the second half of his two-year contract with the Ford team.
An alleged altercation with Scott Pye at the Supercars Gala is said to have been the final straw for Kostecki, who showed promising early season speed but endured an incident-riddled end to the year.
Tickford had remained quiet on the matter – until now.
“Tickford Racing and driver Jake Kostecki have decided to part ways by mutual agreement and will not continue with their partnership in the 2023 Supercars Championship season,” read a statement from the team.
“Tickford wishes Jake well in his future endeavours.
“The team will make further comment on its 2023 driver line-up in due course.”
Super2 Series winner Declan Fraser will be confirmed as Kostecki’s replacement in the coming days.
MORE: The domino effect of Tickford’s driver change
He will join incumbents Cam Waters, James Courtney and Thomas Randle.
V8 Sleuth understands the #56 Mustang is set to continue sporting backing from Australian clothing company Tradie despite the driver change.
For Fraser, it’s a turning of the tables, having been staring down the barrel of a 2023 season spent predominantly on the sidelines.
After missing out on the Matt Stone Racing seat vacated by Todd Hazelwood, Fraser was previously considered likely to stay with Triple Eight in a wildcard capacity.
As for Kostecki, it’s unclear what the next move is for him and older brother Kurt, whose exit has also been confirmed.
The pair raced together at Bathurst the past two years, at MSR in 2021 and Tickford last October.
Tickford will shake down its Gen3 Mustangs on February 1 at Winton Motor Raceway.
