Supercars boss Shane Howard addresses criticism over Brodie Kostecki-Erebus Motorsport fall out response

Supercars boss Shane Howard has responded to criticism over the handling of the Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport fallout, conceding it is ‘ultimately a matter’ between the title-winning team and its driver.

Supercars boss Shane Howard has moved to address the series’ response to the Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport fallout, saying it was doing all it could to help resolve the situation but it was “ultimately a matter” between the title-winning team and its driver.

In an open letter to the Supercars community on Tuesday, the category’s chief executive reacted to criticism of Supercars’ handling of the issue, describing suggestions the sport had turned its back on the issue or taken sides as “incorrect and misleading”.

Howard said he had been in regular dialogue with Kostecki and Erebus management over the issue which has rocked the sport less than a month out from the start of the season, but it remained “a matter between the owners and management of Erebus Motorsport and their contracted driver”.

It emerged last week Kostecki was on the brink of a shock split from Erebus due to a falling out with team management – led by chief executive Barry Ryan – just months after leading the squad to the drivers’ and teams championships.

Supercars boss Shane Howard has moved to address the series’ response to the Brodie Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport fallout. Picture: Getty Images

Erebus confirmed last week Kostecki would not race in the season-opening Bathurst 500 – with Todd Hazelwood to stand in for him – but there is doubt the 26-year-old will return to the grid for the team at all this year.

Kostecki has yet to publicly comment on the situation.

Supercars came under fire from triple series champion turned IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin and long-time Kostecki backer Peter Adderton for its response to the saga last week.

Howard said the series would continue to work with all involved to encourage a “workable solution”.

Howard says he is doing everything he can to help resolve the situation but admitted it was “ultimately a matter” between the title-winning team and its driver. Picture Mark Brake

“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,” Howard wrote in the open letter.

“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.”

Howard added Supercars would offer all the support it could.

Scott McLaughlin last week hit out at Supercars for its response to the issue and offering “no protection for drivers”. Picture: Getty Images

“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,” Howard said.

“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.”

McLaughlin last week hit out at Supercars for its response to the issue and offering “no protection for drivers”.

“The sport should be ashamed,” McLaughlin wrote on social media.

“They know the full story and as per usual side step around everything and don’t say anything hoping the storm will settle like they always have. No protection for drivers ever”.

Adderton also lashed the sport and Erebus for looking out for their own “self-interests” after their brief statements last week.

“I will not go into why Brodie will not race in 2024 with Erebus. That is his personal decision and I am sure when he is ready to explain why he will,” Adderton wrote on Instagram.

“But the release …. did nothing than show me how Supercars and Erebus are looking out for their own self-interests ahead of a young driver.

“They know full-well what is taking place and this statement by the Supercars CEO was so disappointing to me and not helpful.

“We are all human beings and we should always put the health and wellbeing of each other above any commercial interests.”

Erebus Motorsport has lost its two major sponsors – naming rights sponsor Coca-Cola and financial services firm Shaw and Partners – in the wake of the Kostecki fallout.

Originally published as Supercars boss Shane Howard addresses criticism over Brodie Kostecki-Erebus Motorsport fall out response