HAZELWOOD LOOKS LIKE A WINNER

TODD Hazelwood and his fledgling Matt Stone Racing team may well be able to stake a claim as the bestdressed squad on the Supercars grid this year.

It comes thanks to Matt Stone Racing forging a partnership with renowned Gold Coast-based company Unit Clothing.

“The cool thing about Unit is they have got something for everyone and they cover most appliances so we will be decked out in their gear obviously showcasing what they do,” Coast driver Todd Hazelwood said.

“We aim to present well on and off the track.

“The exciting thing for me is that I will be able to align myself with a lot of their highend athletes that not only compete in extreme sports around the country but also overseas, so to be linking up with the likes of Robbie Maddison and Toby Price is really exciting.”

Aside from a trip back to his home town of Adelaide to catch up with family and mates, Hazelwood has endured a big off-season with the Yatala team as they strive for improvement.

Hazelwood placed 26th of the 26 full-time drivers last season, in what was both his and Matt Stone Racing’s rookie campaign at the top level.

“I got back into the workshop at the start of January and it’s been head down, bum up trying to get everything ready,” he said.

“We go into Phillip Island next week for our first test and we’re all feeling really pumped and excited to see how we go.”

Among other changes will be the self-proclaimed motorsport fanatic taking a step back from the team’s commercial duties.

“I am trying to put more focus into driving the car as fast as I can,” Hazelwood said.

The No.35 driver will have a new ZB Commodore – that will be covered in a fresh splash of paint – at his disposal this year.

“I suppose it’s not turning up to a race meeting with a knife in a gun fight … that’s probably the best way to explain it,” he said.

“We’re a lot more prepared. If we have got good machinery, hopefully that will help us achieve good results.

“We have got some new colours coming as well, so it will be a new look for the team for 2019.”

Adelaide will host the first race weekend of the year from February 28 to March 3.

I GOT BACK AT THE START OF JANUARY IT’S BEEN HEAD DOWN, BUM UP TRYING TO GET EVERYTHING READY

TODD HAZELWOOD