Electric Cars

Brodie Kostecki delivered a sensational performance in the opening race of the Supercars championship in Townsville, bringing Dick Johnson Racing back to the top step of the podium after a two-year hiatus. His commanding victory underscored a strategic and masterful drive, setting a high bar for the rest of the race weekend. While Kostecki celebrated a significant milestone, championship leader Broc Feeney navigated a challenging race to preserve his overall standing, maintaining the competitive tension at the pinnacle of the series.

Race Day Triumph in Tropical Queensland

In the vibrant heart of Far North Queensland, the Townsville street circuit bore witness to a compelling display of motorsport prowess on Friday, July 11, 2025. Brodie Kostecki, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, seized his 16th career pole position and his first since joining Dick Johnson Racing at the season's outset. From the moment the lights went out, Kostecki launched flawlessly, fending off the formidable challenge of Tickford Racing's Cam Waters. Waters, renowned for his aggressive pursuit, relentlessly pressured Kostecki, halving an initial 3.8-second deficit through a superb pitstop orchestrated by his team. Yet, Kostecki responded with unwavering resolve, meticulously rebuilding his lead and crossing the finish line a commanding 4.31 seconds ahead. "Cam was constantly on my tail, so there was no room for error," Kostecki remarked after securing his ninth career win and second podium finish of the season. "Our starts haven't been the best this year, but we've ironed out the kinks. It felt incredible to get the jump and control the race from start to finish; the pace was relentless, and Cam pushed me every inch of the way." Waters, reflecting on his 11th podium appearance in Townsville, acknowledged Kostecki's superior pace. "It was a decent race, but we just couldn't match Brodie and his team today. My car still needs some fine-tuning, especially concerning tyre longevity in certain sections of the track," he admitted. Former DJR driver Anton De Pasquale brilliantly piloted his Team 18 entry to a well-deserved third place, showcasing aggressive driving to gain two positions early in the 35-lap contest, securing his second consecutive race weekend podium. De Pasquale elaborated on his strategy, stating, "A sprint race here demands aggressive tyre management from the get-go. I had to maximize the tyre usage and leverage our strategy. The car felt good, but there's always room for improvement."

Further down the field, Matt Payne secured a commendable fourth place for Grove Racing. He finished ahead of Bryce Fullwood of Brad Jones Racing, who ascended from eighth on the grid, and Chaz Mostert, who also made significant progress from ninth in his Walkinshaw Andretti United Ford. For the Triple Eight team, the day presented considerable hurdles. Both Broc Feeney and Will Brown struggled in qualifying, starting 14th and 20th respectively. Brown's session was particularly challenging after an incident in practice detached his rear wing. Despite these setbacks, both drivers fought valiantly, with Feeney clinching eighth place and Brown gaining ten positions to finish tenth. The struggles of Triple Eight meant Feeney’s substantial 183-point championship lead remained intact, though Payne’s strong performance propelled him into second place overall, with 1336 points to Feeney’s 1519. Brown now holds third with 1331 points. The Supercars contingent is poised for another electrifying day on the Townsville tarmac, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 AM AET, followed by the 21st championship race at 3:00 PM local time.

The thrill of Supercars racing reminds us that success in highly competitive fields often hinges on a blend of meticulous preparation, strategic execution, and the ability to perform under intense pressure. Kostecki's victory was not merely a display of raw speed but a testament to his team's comprehensive approach, from qualifying to race strategy and pitstop efficiency. It highlights that even when facing formidable opponents, a well-coordinated effort and unwavering focus can lead to triumphant outcomes. Furthermore, the resilience shown by drivers like Feeney and Brown, who overcame significant qualifying disadvantages to salvage valuable points, underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. Their ability to claw back positions and minimize damage to their championship hopes demonstrates a champion's mentality, a crucial element for sustained success in demanding racing series like Supercars. Such events serve as powerful reminders that every detail counts, and the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey of refinement and relentless effort.

Tim Mayer, a seasoned figure within the motorsport community, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of the FIA. His career trajectory in racing is notably extensive, marked by a lineage deeply intertwined with the sport. This campaign comes after a recent, controversial departure from his stewarding role, which he asserts motivates his drive for organizational reform rather than personal retribution. His platform centers on enhancing the federation's administrative practices and fostering greater openness.

Mayer's heritage in motor racing runs deep. His father, Teddy Mayer, was a pivotal figure at McLaren for nearly two decades, instrumental in the team's operations since its inception in 1963. Following the passing of Bruce McLaren in 1970, the elder Mayer assumed leadership, guiding the team through significant periods. Tim Mayer, born in February 1966, entered the world just as his father was navigating the crucial early stages of McLaren's Formula 1 engine procurement. This familial background instilled in him an innate understanding of motorsport's intricate dynamics and operational necessities.

After completing his education at Wellington College in the UK and pursuing studies and military service in the United States, Tim Mayer re-entered the motorsport realm in 1992. He began as the general business manager for former McLaren driver Emerson Fittipaldi, a role he embraced as Fittipaldi diversified his business interests beyond racing. This initial period laid the groundwork for Mayer's subsequent ventures in the industry.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish G3 Communications, a consultancy firm specializing in the international broadcast of Champ Car races. This venture eventually transitioned into direct management roles within the series, culminating in his appointment as chief operating officer of IMSA in the mid-2000s. By the close of that decade, Mayer redirected his focus back to consultancy, becoming a director for the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States. This position served as the official liaison between the FIA and American race sanctioning bodies, expanding to encompass the organization of all world championship events held on US soil.

Concurrently, Mayer served as a race steward for the FIA, a voluntary position that saw him officiate at high-profile events including Formula 1 Grands Prix, the World Endurance Championship, and the World Touring Car Championship. His dual role, however, eventually led to a dispute with the governing body. During the US Grand Prix last year, as a steward, Mayer was part of the panel that cited the event organizer for failing to ensure crowd safety following a track invasion. Subsequently, he represented the organizer, US Race Management, in an independent capacity, challenging the half-million Euro fine and the specific accusation regarding safety measures. This perceived conflict of interest led to his dismissal as a steward by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a decision Mayer claims was communicated impersonally via text message.

Despite this contentious departure, Mayer's presidential campaign, launched ahead of the British Grand Prix, is not motivated by revenge. Instead, he maintains his candidacy is aimed at bringing about much-needed improvements in the FIA's governance. He highlights concerns over a lack of transparency and an over-centralization of power under the current leadership, asserting that his focus is on advancing the organization for the benefit of the sport as a whole.