TODD Hazelwood’s new privateer effort has gotten off to the perfect start.
After winning the past two Trans Am titles with TFH Racing, Hazelwood has gone out on his own for 2026 with the launch of Todd’s Garage.
New challenge, same result seems to be the theme after Hazelwood roared to the season-opening pole position at Bathurst, a 2m09.9710s putting his Four’N Twenty Mustang almost a half-second clear of nearest threat Nathan Herne.
Hazelwood has oozed pride when talking about this project.
“I like to do things well, I like to go from top to bottom, no excuses,” he told V8 Sleuth.
“I guess I can only blame myself – if something doesn’t go right or if something falls off the car, that’s on me.
“But as far as pure satisfaction, it’s right up there.”
Hazelwood is in the same chassis that powered him to the 2025 title, after acquiring it from TFH Racing/Brett Thomas.
“Since acquiring the car, I’ve basically stripped the whole thing down,” he said.
“The whole car has been fully rebuilt so fresh engine, fresh drivetrain and obviously the bodywork and everything has all been done as well.
“It certainly has been a labour of love to get the car back up to spec and the level that I wanted it to be at. There hasn’t been a nut or bolt untouched.
“I’ve certainly put all of my heart and knowledge into this car to make sure I can be as fast as possible.”
Around the grounds at Mount Panorama, other pole positions went to Brad Vaughan (Saloon Cars), Kody Garland (Aussie Racing Cars) and the Hyundai TCR of Harrison Cooper (Super TT).
Meanwhile there was a boilover in Bathurst 6 Hour practice, with the Class A2 Ford Mustang of Cameron McLeod setting the fastest time of the day (2m21.8624s) to upstage the BMWs.
