Brodie Kostecki, Todd Hazlewood win Bathurst 1000 from pole
SYDNEY (AP) — Brodie Kostecki led from pole position and for over six hours and 161 laps Sunday to win Australia’s premier motor race the Bathurst 1000 for the first time.
Kostecki and co-driver Todd Hazelwood became the first pole-sitters since 2021 to win the race, holding out Broc Feeney and Jamie Winchup by just over a second in one of the fastest ever editions of the race. Will Brown and Scott Pye were third as Chevrolets filled the first three placings.
Kostecki was runner-up in the race last year and led comfortably Sunday until the first intervention of the safety car when Matt Payne hit the wall on the 132nd lap.
Kostecki and Feeney pitted for gas and tires and when the race resumed, it was as a 27 lap sprint to the finish. There was less than a second between the leading cars as they traded fastest laps until Kostecki began to edge away near the end, giving Hazlewood his first Supercars win.
“I can’t believe it,” Kostecki said. Hazlewood “did a great job all weekend. I knew we had a fast car and we tuned it up well for the end there.”
Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazlewood Win Bathurst 1000 from Pole: A Historic Victory
This year’s Bathurst 1000 delivered a thrilling and emotional outcome as Brodie Kostecki, alongside teammate Todd Hazlewood, claimed a stunning victory from pole position. This marked a significant milestone in both drivers’ careers, with Kostecki securing his first title at the iconic event, one of the most prestigious and longstanding motorsport races in Australia.
A Historic Win for Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazlewood
Kostecki and Hazlewood’s team put on a remarkable performance right from qualifying, securing the pole position. However, Bathurst 1000 is not merely a race of speed—it demands patience, smart strategy, and the ability to handle challenges over the course of more than six hours on the track. The Kostecki-Hazlewood duo demonstrated they had all the necessary ingredients for success.
Spanning over 1000 km on the infamous Mount Panorama circuit, Bathurst 1000 is known for its sharp corners and unforgiving nature, testing not only the drivers’ skills but also their endurance. Throughout the race, Kostecki and Hazlewood maintained a steady pace and avoided technical mishaps, which allowed them to hold on to their advantage from start to finish.
The flawless coordination between Kostecki and Hazlewood was a key factor in their triumph. Kostecki, considered one of the rising stars in the Supercars Championship, showcased composure and a fierce competitive spirit. Meanwhile, Hazlewood, with his extensive experience in major racing events, provided crucial support, helping the team navigate through tough stretches of the race.
Intense Competition on the Bathurst 1000 Track
This year’s Bathurst 1000 did not lack drama, with fierce battles and unexpected twists throughout the race. Top contenders like Shane van Gisbergen and Chaz Mostert applied significant pressure on Kostecki and Hazlewood during several laps. However, technical issues and less-than-ideal strategies caused many strong teams to falter.
Tension reached its peak in the final laps, as Kostecki and Hazlewood faced stiff competition from other top teams. Yet, with a well-executed strategy and unwavering confidence, Kostecki held on to the lead, crossing the finish line first alongside Hazlewood, sending their team into a state of jubilation.
A Bright Future for Kostecki and Hazlewood
The Bathurst 1000 victory marks a pivotal moment, especially for Brodie Kostecki, a young driver on the rise. Not only is this his first win at the prestigious event, but it also solidifies his reputation as a top competitor on the international motorsport stage. Many experts believe that, with his talent and fighting spirit, Kostecki has the potential to become one of Bathurst’s future legends.
For Todd Hazlewood, this win also holds immense significance. Despite several years of competing in the Supercars Championship, Hazlewood had yet to achieve a milestone as remarkable as this. His triumph at Bathurst, alongside Kostecki, will serve as a major stepping stone as he continues to tackle new challenges in his career.
Conclusion
Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazlewood’s Bathurst 1000 victory was not only the result of an outstanding race but also a testament to the perfect combination of strategy and skill. From pole position, they transformed their advantage into a historic win, leaving a lasting impression on fans. With this achievement, the young driving duo is poised to go even further in the future, becoming rising stars on the international racing scene.
