MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: (EDITORS NOTE: A polarizing filter was used for this image.) Brodie … [+]
Another Aussie will be racing in the NASCAR Cup series in a few weeks. Australian Supercars driver Brodie Kostecki will make his NASCAR Cup series debut with Richard Childress Racing on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 13.
Kostecki’s appearance in NASCAR’s top tier touring series will come just over a month after Supercar champion Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Cup series race at Chicago racing for Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program.
Unlike van Gisbergen, Kostecki actually has some NASCAR experience. The 25-year-old raced in the ARCA Menards East Series in 2013 and 2014 making 16 starts scoring 1 top-5 and 4 top-10 finishes. He also lived in North Carolina from 2012 to 2017 before moving back to Australia where he now races for Erebus Motorsport. During his time in ARCA, he raced against such rising NASCAR stars as Daniel Suarez and Bubba Wallace. His best finish came at Dover in 2014 where he finished a career best fifth.
“I am thrilled to be making my NASCAR Cup debut at the Brickyard,” Kostecki told the official Supercar series site. “It’s an honor to compete at such an iconic venue and against some of the biggest names in motorsport.
NEWTON, IA – MAY 17: Brodie Kostecki, driver of the #43 Arcoplate Toyota, poses with the Pole Award … [+]
“I’m incredibly grateful to RCR for giving me this opportunity and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Kostecki and other members of the Erebus Motorsport team flew to America earlier this year and visited RCR, including being at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis in June when his soon to be RCR teammate Kyle Busch won.
“Racing is at the core of everything I do, and NASCAR has been a lifelong goal of mine after spending years growing up in the sports heartland in North Carolina,” Kostecki said. “It’s a whole different world over there and any additional time I can spend racing is only going to help me try and win my first Supercars Championship.
“We got some great exposure to the inner sanctum of the team during our recent trip, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the team, this time as a Cup Series driver.”
MADISON, ILLINOIS – JUNE 04: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 3CHI Chevrolet, and crew in victory lane … [+]
RCR campaigns the No. 33 Camaro part time in the Cup series. It’s the car that Kostecki will race in August. Primary sponsorship will come from cell phone provider MobileX, and VAILO.
“I can’t thank MobileX, Erebus, VAILO, Shaw & Partners, Southern Cross Truck Rentals and all my supporting partners enough for coming on board.,” Kostecki said.
VAILO is an Australian technology company that focuses on LED lighting and is making its first foray into the United States.
“VAILO is excited to support Brodie as he makes his debut into NASCAR,” VAILO CEO and founder Aaron Hickmann said. “In parallel with Brodie’s journey, VAILO is also venturing into the United States and has strategic plans to expand its operations in Texas within the next year.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 02: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #91 Enhance Health Chevrolet, … [+]
“We have demonstrated our expertise in motorsport here in Australia, particularly with the recent installation of our lights and digital displays at The Bend Dragway and the VAILO Adelaide 500.
“We look forward to showing our capabilities at speedways in the US.”
Kostecki is currently second in the Supercar championship point standings. The only race weekend for that series in August is on the 18-20. The NASCAR effort has the approval of his team.
“We have always encouraged Brodie’s pursuit of more racing opportunities,” Erebus CEO Barry Ryan said. “Providing him with the chance to explore and excel in various racing disciplines not only enhances his skills but also contributes to the overall growth and success of our team.”