Supercars icon Roland Dane claims a “toxic workplace” is to blame for reigning champion Brodie Kostecki wanting to leave Erebus Motorsport.
With just weeks left before the start of the 2024 season, the legendary former team owner has called on Supercars to step in and make sure Kostecki finds a new home.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Will Brown speaks out in support of Brodie Kostecki.
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The 2023 champion will be absent from the grid for at least the season-opening Bathurst 500, with Todd Hazlewood to take his place.
Kostecki currently sits in the eye of the Erebus storm, which was compounded by the loss of three sponsors to the team, with major backer Coca-Cola on Tuesday joining two other companies in withdrawing support for the Supercars champions.
Shaw and Partners was the first sponsor to announce its decision to pull back before Southern Cross Truck Rentals followed suit.
Supercars itself released a statement on the saga last week, hinting at mental health struggles for Kostecki being the reason behind the rift.
But Dane, co-founder of Triple Eight, believes it has nothing to do with that.
“I will be as clear as I can be. This is not an issue of mental health, as alluded to by Supercars, at least not on the part of Brodie,” he declared on Speedcafe.
“This is a case of what appears to be a toxic workplace. Other teams and Supercars have seen evidence of this in the past.
“For instance, some 18 months ago an email (addressed to pretty much everyone involved in Gen3 development) emanated from the team in question that was so venomous that the CEO of Supercars was obliged to step in and attempt to smooth the waters.
“But long-term damage was done. That’s just one example. There are others.
“If a mental health issue is defined as someone being unable to cope with a noxious workplace then maybe I’m wrong. But in my judgement the probability is that any mental health issues lie with those that create such a workplace, not those who find it hard to be a part of it.”
Dane wants Supercars to step in and take a leadership role to try to resolve the issue but, in an open letter published after Dane’s column, CEO Shane Howard said it’s not his place to do so.
“The circumstances at hand are ultimately a matter between the owners and management of Erebus Motorsport and their contracted driver, Brodie Kostecki,” Howard wrote.
“Supercars has offered our full support to all parties and will continue to do so.
“I’ve personally been in confidential dialogue with Brodie both leading into and following the announcement. I’ve also had extensive discussions about the matter over recent weeks with Erebus Motorsport management, including Barry Ryan and Betty Klimenko.
“There have been suggestions that Supercars hasn’t engaged in these conversations or has taken sides. This is simply incorrect and misleading.
“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.”
