PODCAST: Todd on why he quit full-time Supercars
Hazelwood walked away from the title chase for endurance glory – a gamble that’s made him the hottest co-driver in the series
Reigning Bathurst champion co-driver Todd Hazelwood says his decision to step back from lesser full-time Supercars drives has proven the best career move he could have made, with the former Super2 champion now one of the most sought-after co-drivers in the sport.
After seven seasons as a main game regular, Hazelwood elected in 2023 to give up the grind of battling at the rear of the field and instead chase a premium co-drive with a race-winning team. That choice was vindicated when he partnered Brodie Kostecki to Bathurst 1000 glory last year, followed by another triumph at The Bend 500 earlier this month – his first event with Dick Johnson Racing.
Fresh from The Bend 500 victory, Hazelwood sat down with Jax Tyres & Auto Race for the Championship’s Mark Fogarty.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to walk away from being a full-time driver,” Hazelwood reflected.
“But I realised I had to reinvigorate myself and prove I could deliver when given the right opportunity. I didn’t want to just become another driver making up the numbers.”
Hazelwood admitted the turning point came when the phone stopped ringing for competitive full-time opportunities. Rather than accept another season in underfunded equipment, he targeted a partnership with Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport, a move that delivered instant success. When Kostecki switched to DJR for 2025, Hazelwood followed.
“Teaming up with Brodie gave me the chance to show what I could really do in a front-running car,” Hazelwood said.
“To then go out and win Bathurst, and back it up at The Bend, that was proof I’d made the right call.”
The 30-year-old says the co-driver role has not only revitalised his Supercars career but also opened the door to other opportunities, such as racing in the TransAm series and competing in the World Time Attack Challenge.
“I’ve been able to enjoy my racing again, and that’s brought the best out of me,” Hazelwood explained.
“Of course, if the right full-time opportunity came up with a team capable of winning, I’d consider it. But until then, I’m very happy where I am.”
Heading to Mount Panorama as the defending Bathurst champion, Hazelwood is now regarded as the hottest co-driver in the field – a status built not on persistence in the midfield, but on his bold decision to sacrifice quantity of drives for quality.
