BRODIE Kostecki and his Dick Johnson Racing co-driver Todd Hazelwood started the recent Great Race from pole position and as the short-priced favourite in betting markets.
They ended the annual classic six laps down, after a tense weekend culminated in a string of problems during the main event.
“I think I hit everything but the pace car,” was Kostecki’s summary.
“It wasn’t a great Sunday, unfortunately the alternator took us out of contention in the end, but the car still had great speed in the race – just not in a straight line.
“For us, it’s just focusing on this weekend ahead. But it was a bit of an interesting one on Sunday.”
By virtue of being able to make the chequered flag, Kostecki was able to jump Chaz Mostert (DNF due to engine failure) for the fifth seed in finals.
It would be remiss not to touch on the straight-line speed parity jab made by Kostecki above.
That of course shouldn’t be a factor at the tight and twisty Gold Coast street circuit this weekend, but the 2023 champion did not back down when asked by local media if Supercars’ parity war can now be left behind.
“You can never leave that behind but going into this round pretty confident in our team and our ability to try to go for some race wins,” he said.
Joining Kostecki in the finals bracket are Broc Feeney, Matt Payne, Will Brown, Cam Waters, Mostert, Anton De Pasquale, Thomas Randle, Ryan Wood and Kai Allen.
Pic: Supplied
Beyond that, there’ll be 14 drivers able to attack the Surfers Paradise kerbs with zero consequences.
“Obviously the guys that aren’t in the 10 are just basically going for race wins and glory,” said Kostecki.
“We still need to be a bit considerate and race a little bit for points at the same time and try to make it through the stages as much as possible.”
Intriguingly, Kostecki and De Pasquale are the only finals drivers with a teammate not in contention.
“People that aren’t in and do qualify up there, there might be some tactics,” noted Brown.
“You see people like Brodie Kostecki, his teammate Will Davison isn’t in the finals, so if he’s fast and can put it up there and assist Brodie in any way, it will definitely help.
“It will be interesting to see how those little tricks play out.
“But for us, we have got two Red Bull Ampol cars in there that are both trying to get through to the top four, so I wouldn’t say there will be any tricks on our behalf just yet.”