Kostecki given honour of #17

Brodie Kostecki will race with the famous number 17 in 2026 and beyond, continuing an iconic tradition for Dick Johnson Racing.

Unveiling its 2026 Shell V-Power Mustangs at its Family Open Day last weekend, the Shell V-Power Racing Team confirmed the racing numbers of both Kostecki and young recruit Rylan Gray, with the latter to take the number 38 into the season – keeping another historic number in the Dick Johnson Racing family.

Kostecki accepted the #17 number plate from team co-owner, Australian Motorsport Hall of Famer and Supercars Hall of Famer, Dick Johnson AM in front of a host of loyal members as part of the Shell V-Power Team Mates program.

The Shell V-Power Racing Team also confirmed the 2026 livery will remain largely unchanged, highlighting the popularity of the fan-favourite design.

On hand alongside the drivers as part of the announcement were Johnson, Executive Chairman Dr Ryan Story AM and incoming CEO Megan Foster.

The #17 clearly holds a special place in the history of Dick Johnson Racing, symbolising decades of success, resilience and championship pedigree.

Undeniably linked to the team’s identity, the famous #17 has been carried by some of the most significant names in the history of the Repco Supercars Championship and Australian Touring Car Championship, beginning with team founder Dick Johnson himself, whose achievements helped cement the number as the most recognisable in the sport.

Across generations, the #17 has continued to represent excellence with many prominent drivers having used the number at some stage in their illustrious careers including John Bowe, Steve Johnson and Scott McLaughlin. Each era has added to the legacy, with the number becoming a constant thread linking the team’s past, present and future. More than just a car number, #17 reflects the values and competitive spirit that have defined Dick Johnson Racing over many decades.

Kostecki said he was honoured to be racing with the #17 in 2026 and beyond, having recently inked a long-term deal to remain with the Stapylton-based squad.

“This is a huge honour but it is also, without question, a huge responsibility,” Kostecki said.

“The history of #17 in this country is immense and I’m absolutely humbled to be able to race my Shell V-Power Mustang with such an iconic number this season.

“These 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.

“When 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 and the Ralphs for this opportunity.

“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’s for sure.”

Johnson was understandably proud to see Kostecki carry on the legacy of such a special number.

“Brodie 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,” Johnson added.

“We know what he’s 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’s fresh, ready and excited to show the rest of the grid what he’s got in 2026.

“I’m also really proud to see Rylan carry the #38 with the team this year – it’s 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.”

Story said Kostecki’s move to #17 added another exciting chapter to the team’s remarkable history in motorsport.

“When you think of Dick Johnson Racing, you instantly think about the number 17,” Story said.

“#17 is synonymous on track for resilience, tenacity, success and a never surrender attitude. Revered as much as it is feared. Because that’s Dick Johnson. That’s Scott McLaughlin. And that’s most certainly Brodie Kostecki.

“I genuinely can’t wait for 2026 – we’ve got a terrific driver line up, secured a world-class team behind the scenes and are giving ourselves every chance to deliver success throughout this season in our Shell V-Power Mustangs.

“Rylan’s already integrated into our team perfectly and together with Brodie, these two are already making gains in their elite preparation and training. It’s also been amazing to see them both on the workshop floor this pre-season assisting our crew with the preparations of their Shell V-Power Mustangs.”

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship begins at Sydney Motorsport Park on 20-22 February.