{"id":261694,"date":"2026-01-31T23:48:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T23:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/261694\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T23:48:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T23:48:16","slug":"supercars-news-brodie-kostecki-handed-iconic-number-as-djr-reveals-livery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/261694\/","title":{"rendered":"Supercars news: Brodie Kostecki handed iconic number as DJR reveals livery"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Kostecki<\/p>\n

Kostecki inherits the #17 ahead of his second season with the team following Will Davison\u2019s exit at the end of last year.<\/p>\n

Davison\u2019s replacement, rookie Rylan Gray, will adopt the #38 used by Kostecki in 2025.<\/p>\n

The number shuffle was the headline act as Dick Johnson Racing revealed its livery for the new campaign during an open day at its Stapylton, Queensland, workshop.<\/p>\n

After its biggest livery shake-up in almost a decade last year, the team retains its 2025 design for a second season.<\/p>\n

Among minor changes is a move to a \u2018midnight blue\u2019 rear wing for sponsor DXC Technology and new Ford Racing branding.<\/p>\n

\"Brodie<\/p>\n

Kostecki and Rylan Gray with DJR\u2019s 2026 livery. Image: Supplied<\/p>\n

Kostecki meanwhile wants to make his own history with #17 \u2013 a number driven to five championship titles by Johnson and three by Scott McLaughlin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a huge honour but it is also, without question, a huge responsibility,\u201d Kostecki said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe history of #17 in this country is immense and I\u2019m absolutely humbled to be able to race my Shell V-Power Mustang with such an iconic number this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese past twelve months with the Shell V-Power Racing Team have allowed me to learn even more about the history of Dick, Dick Johnson Racing and the significance of #17 in Australian motorsport.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the number became available heading into this year, I was honoured to be offered the chance to race with #17 and cannot thank Dick, Ryan [Story] and the Ralphs for this opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201c[The season opener in] Sydney is not far away, and sitting on the grid for the opening race, looking at the #17 will be a special moment for me in my career, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A blue rear wing for sponsor DXC and revised Ford branding are among subtle changes. Image: Supplied<\/p>\n

Johnson first adopted #17 in the late 1960s \u2013 doing so to fit with the #71 run by then teammate Graham Littlemore.<\/p>\n

Eventually running it full-time, Johnson opted against swapping it for #1 while defending his five titles.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrodie is a champion in his own right and for him to be racing with #17 is also a very proud moment for me as well,\u201d Johnson added.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know what he\u2019s capable of, we know the quality of driver that Brodie is so it made complete sense to pass the #17 on to him knowing that he\u2019s fresh, ready and excited to show the rest of the grid what he\u2019s got in 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m also really proud to see Rylan carry the #38 with the team this year \u2013 it\u2019s a number Brodie took on proudly and means a great deal to me, so seeing Rylan debut as a full-time main game driver this year with this number will be an exciting prospect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Pivotel and Reddy Express branding has disappeared from the front. Image: Supplied<\/p>\n

A 19-year-old Johnson ran #38 on his FJ Holden during his first race at Lakeside in 1964 \u2013 a fact lost in the pages of history until it was resurrected by DJR last year.<\/p>\n

Kostecki will have his first run with #17 when he shakes down his new Mustang at Queensland Raceway on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

DJR has retained Todd Hazelwood and Tony D\u2019Alberto as its endurance drivers for the new season.<\/p>\n

PHOTOS: DJR launches 2026 campaign with #17 handover<\/a><\/p>\n


\"\"\/
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