Ride-Share Racers
V8X Supercar Magazine|Autumn 2020 Issue 116
Zane Goddard and Jake Kostecki are in their rookie seasons in Supercars with the added challenge of sharing the one entry at Matt Stone Racing. The unique situation makes the #34 Holden ZB Commodore one to watch in 2020.
James Crocker
Ride-Share Racers

The Dunlop Super2 Series has bred some of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s best drivers since its inception in 2000. With seven previous second-tier series champions lining up on the main-game grid in 2020, it’s become a proving ground for young drivers looking to break into the top tier.

However, the step is still a difficult one, with seats at the main-game table at a premium and limited track time complicating matters for the up and comers. Recent graduates such as Macauley Jones and Jack Smith softened the blow by undertaking multiple wildcard rounds before their first full-time seasons, but not all drivers have had the luxury of being associated with a main-game operation such as Brad Jones Racing.

Offering a solution to these problems is Matt Stone Racing with its ‘SuperLite’ program, giving the next crop of Supercars stars an extra step between the two categories. The unique concept is based around two drivers sharing a car for the season, with the pair then lining up together for the endurance events.

The inaugural ‘SuperLite’ drivers are 20-year-olds Zane Goddard and Jake Kostecki. Both are familiar faces for those who have followed the Dunlop Super2 Series over the past few seasons, with the pair emerging as drivers to watch with main-game potential. The pair will both take part in five events each before pairing up for the endurance events, with the final round in Newcastle to be assigned later in the season.

Team owner Matt Stone says the pair are perfect candidates for the program in 2020.

“They’ve both done two or three years of Super2, and it’s very easy to end up doing five years, because from your third year onwards you’re just waiting for an opportunity,” he says.

This story is from the Autumn 2020 Issue 116 edition of V8X Supercar Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Autumn 2020 Issue 116 edition of V8X Supercar Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM V8X SUPERCAR MAGAZINEView All
The F1 Legends At The Mountain
V8X Supercar Magazine

The F1 Legends At The Mountain

The recently departed Sir Stirling Moss is recognised as the best Formula 1 driver never to win the drivers’ world championship, but his illustrious career extended to many other categories, including an often forgotten appearance in the Bathurst 1000 alongside another legend of the sport.

time-read
3 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
Right On Track: Sprinting Back Into Action
V8X Supercar Magazine

Right On Track: Sprinting Back Into Action

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returns with shorter sprint races on the reworked calendar in 2020.

time-read
2 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
Beyond The Wheel: Racing Virtually
V8X Supercar Magazine

Beyond The Wheel: Racing Virtually

Racing online in the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries was a new experience for me. While there were some carryover traits from racing in real life, there were also some significant differences.

time-read
2 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
Top 10 Seasons
V8X Supercar Magazine

Top 10 Seasons

Top 10 Seasons

time-read
2 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
The Inside Story: The New Normal
V8X Supercar Magazine

The Inside Story: The New Normal

As we prepare for the return of racing, the whole Supercars pitlane is wondering how things will look. And work.

time-read
3 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
Top 10 (Multi-Car) Crashes
V8X Supercar Magazine

Top 10 (Multi-Car) Crashes

10 mount panorama circuit 2014

time-read
3 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
TOP 10 MAKES
V8X Supercar Magazine

TOP 10 MAKES

TOP 10 MAKES

time-read
2 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
VIRTUAL MOVES
V8X Supercar Magazine

VIRTUAL MOVES

The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries provided some racing during the suspension of the season, paving the way for more regular virtual contests.

time-read
2 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
V8X Supercar Magazine

VIRTUAL REALITY

The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries has paved the way for Supercars to further embrace virtual racing, opening up an important avenue to attract and engage with new audiences for the category

time-read
5 mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117
1960 – 2020 TOP 60 DRIVERS
V8X Supercar Magazine

1960 – 2020 TOP 60 DRIVERS

Who are the greatest drivers in the 60-year history of the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars? We rank the top 60 with an emphasis on best championship finishes, race-winning percentage and competitive longevity. Only drivers with top 10 championship finishes were considered, to emphasise championship performances over part-time or endurance campaigns. Also, results from the Bathurst 1000 and other endurance events were only factored in when they were part of the championship.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Winter 2020 Issue 117