Supercars chief executive Shane Howard has ripped "incorrect" accusations category management sat on their hands in the ongoing saga between Erebus Motorsport and Brodie Kostecki.
The category had been accused of not doing enough to help Kostecki, and Howard's suggestion in their initial statement that mental health problems were a factor also drew the ire of fans.
Former champions Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin both took shots, accusing the sport of taking the side of Erebus while hanging Kostecki out to dry.
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In an open letter to fans on Tuesday night – the first public comment since that initial statement – Howard said it was "crucial" for Supercars bosses to "provide clarity and context" to the dispute.
Howard said he had been in contact personally with Kostecki both before and since the news broke, as well as Erebus team owner Betty Klimenko and chief executive Barry Ryan.
"There have been suggestions that Supercars hasn't engaged in these conversations or has taken sides. This is simply incorrect and misleading," the letter said.
"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."
The letter was published only hours after former Supercars team owner Roland Dane alleged in his Speedcafe column a "toxic workplace" was behind the conflict.
Wide World of Sports understands Kostecki and Ryan had been at loggerheads since mid-2023.
It is believed Kostecki wants out of his contract with the team, which has one year remaining on it. Legal proceedings have begun to negotiate an exit.
The category and team have copped heavy criticism from fans for their silence on the matter, and also for Howard's suggestions in his initial statement that Kostecki's mental health was a factor.
"There has been considerable commentary on this matter, and some of it has been disappointing," Howard said.
"We urge everyone to approach this situation with understanding, empathy and patience it deserves.
"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."
https://twitter.com/Todd_Hazelwood/status/1754375351592157530The ugly split has seen three major sponsors exit the team, while Boost Mobile also withdrew from negotiations to renew their title sponsorship of the Gold Coast 500. That contract expires after the 2024 event.
In a shake-down of their two new cars at Winton Raceway on Tuesday, both Erebus cars ran a mostly plain devoid of any major sponsors.
Todd Hazlewood – who is replacing Kostecki on a race-by-race basis thereafter – even ran No.1, reserved for the reigning champion.
He will be forced to revert back to the team's customary No.99, which Kostecki ran last year, by the time the cars hit the track at Bathurst.
Supercars chief executive Shane Howard has ripped "incorrect" accusations category management sat on their hands in the ongoing saga between Erebus Motorsport and Brodie Kostecki.
The category had been accused of not doing enough to help Kostecki, and Howard's suggestion in their initial statement that mental health problems were a factor also drew the ire of fans.
Former champions Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin both took shots, accusing the sport of taking the side of Erebus while hanging Kostecki out to dry.
READ MORE: Secret 'threat' behind NRL's $600m call revealed
EXCLUSIVE: Chappell whacks 'rubbish' spirit of cricket debate
READ MORE: Young Aussie stuns West Indies in emphatic win
In an open letter to fans on Tuesday night – the first public comment since that initial statement – Howard said it was "crucial" for Supercars bosses to "provide clarity and context" to the dispute.
Howard said he had been in contact personally with Kostecki both before and since the news broke, as well as Erebus team owner Betty Klimenko and chief executive Barry Ryan.
"There have been suggestions that Supercars hasn't engaged in these conversations or has taken sides. This is simply incorrect and misleading," the letter said.
"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."
The letter was published only hours after former Supercars team owner Roland Dane alleged in his Speedcafe column a "toxic workplace" was behind the conflict.
Wide World of Sports understands Kostecki and Ryan had been at loggerheads since mid-2023.
It is believed Kostecki wants out of his contract with the team, which has one year remaining on it. Legal proceedings have begun to negotiate an exit.
The category and team have copped heavy criticism from fans for their silence on the matter, and also for Howard's suggestions in his initial statement that Kostecki's mental health was a factor.
"There has been considerable commentary on this matter, and some of it has been disappointing," Howard said.
"We urge everyone to approach this situation with understanding, empathy and patience it deserves.
"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."
https://twitter.com/Todd_Hazelwood/status/1754375351592157530The ugly split has seen three major sponsors exit the team, while Boost Mobile also withdrew from negotiations to renew their title sponsorship of the Gold Coast 500. That contract expires after the 2024 event.
In a shake-down of their two new cars at Winton Raceway on Tuesday, both Erebus cars ran a mostly plain devoid of any major sponsors.
Todd Hazlewood – who is replacing Kostecki on a race-by-race basis thereafter – even ran No.1, reserved for the reigning champion.
He will be forced to revert back to the team's customary No.99, which Kostecki ran last year, by the time the cars hit the track at Bathurst.
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