Brodie Kostecki to Race Iconic #17 for Dick Johnson Racing in 2026
Shell V-Power Racing Team driver Brodie Kostecki will carry the legendary #17 in the upcoming 2026 season, inheriting a number steeped in Australian motorsport history.
Brodie Kostecki will enter his second season with Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) sporting the coveted #17,following the departure of Will Davison at the end of the previous year. Rookie Rylan Gray, who is replacing Davison, will rather utilize the #38 previously driven by Kostecki in 2025. This number swap was a central element of DJR’s livery reveal during an open day at their Stapylton, Queensland workshop.
The team is maintaining its 2025 livery design for a second consecutive season, following a significant overhaul last year. Subtle updates include a shift to a ‘midnight blue’ rear wing, showcasing sponsor DXC Technology, and updated Ford Racing branding.
Kostecki expressed his profound respect for the number’s legacy, acknowledging the five championship titles won by Dick Johnson and the three secured by Scott McLaughlin while piloting #17. “This is a huge honor but it is indeed also, without question, a huge responsibility,” Kostecki stated. “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.” He further emphasized the learning experience gained during his first year with the team, deepening his understanding of DJR’s history and the meaning of the number.
The origins of #17 with Johnson date back to the late 1960s, initially chosen to align with teammate Graham Littlemore’s #71. Despite achieving considerable success, Johnson famously resisted switching to #1 while defending his championship titles.
Johnson himself voiced his pride in passing the torch to Kostecki. “Brodie is a champion in his own right and for him to be racing with #17 is also a vrey proud moment for me as well,” Johnson added. “We certainly 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.” He also expressed enthusiasm for Gray’s debut with #38, a number that holds personal significance.
Interestingly, a past detail resurfaced last year revealed that a 19-year-old Johnson ran #38 on his FJ Holden during his inaugural race at Lakeside in 1964.
Kostecki is scheduled to have his first track run with the #17 Mustang at Queensland Raceway on Tuesday.DJR has confirmed that todd hazelwood and Tony D’Alberto will continue as their endurance drivers for the new season.
Why: Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) reassigned its car numbers for the 2026 Supercars Championship season. This decision followed Will Davison’s departure and the arrival of rookie Rylan Gray.
Who: Brodie Kostecki will race the iconic #17 Mustang, previously driven by legends dick Johnson and Scott McLaughlin. Rylan Gray will take over the #38, formerly used by Kostecki. Team owner Dick Johnson also played a key role in the decision. Todd Hazelwood and Tony D’Alberto will continue as endurance drivers.
What: DJR announced a number swap between Kostecki and Gray, with Kostecki inheriting the prestigious #17 and Gray taking on #38. the team will retain its 2025 livery with minor sponsor updates.
How: The change occurred as a result of driver
