Supercars Star Broc Feeney Haunted by Last Year's Championship Heartbreak
Supercars star Broc Feeney is literally refusing to look back in anger, but the pain of last year's shock grand final loss remains firmly etched in his mind. As the 24-strong grid gears up for this weekend's season-opener at Sydney Motorsport Park, Feeney is determined to finally break through for a maiden championship after a career-best season ended in devastating heartbreak.
A Season of Triumph Turned to Tragedy
Feeney's remarkable 2023 campaign featured an impressive 14 race wins and a record 19 pole positions, positioning him as a strong contender for the title. However, his hopes were dashed in the Adelaide grand final when an opening lap tangle with Walkinshaw TWG Racing young gun Ryan Wood sent him spinning. This incident opened the door for Wood's teammate Chaz Mostert to seize his first series title, leaving Feeney to finish a disappointing 20th in the 250km decider due to subsequent engine issues.
Under the traditional points format, Feeney would have comfortably wrapped up the championship, but instead, he ended the series third overall behind his Triple Eight teammate Will Brown. The Gold Coast local expressed his lingering frustration, stating, "Yes it still does burn, because I worked so hard for it and it got ripped away at the last moment."
Refusing to Relive the Pain
At a media event on Tuesday ahead of Friday's first sprint race, Feeney cut a solemn figure as promotional footage from last year's Adelaide grand final played behind him. In a poignant display of defiance, he was the sole driver with his back turned to the screen, refusing to watch scenes that included his own emotional tears. This act underscores the deep psychological impact of the loss as he focuses on redemption in the new season.
New Challenges and Frosty Rivalries
Feeney's quest for maiden silverware faces additional hurdles this year, with Triple Eight switching to the Ford Mustang. Meanwhile, defending champion Chaz Mostert will debut the Toyota Supra with teammate Ryan Wood and Brad Jones Racing, adding another layer of competition. The rivalry between Feeney and Wood has turned frosty, with Feeney admitting he hasn't spoken to the New Zealander since the incident. Wood, when asked about the final series, remained brief, saying, "Just the best thing was racing, and (I'm) just focusing on myself and 2026."
Insights from the Champion
Mostert offered some perspective on Wood, praising his off-season efforts in the Toyota Regional Series and his readiness for the upcoming battles. He highlighted the natural intensity of rivalries in Supercars, drawing parallels to historic feuds like that between Jamie Whincup and Mark Winterbottom. "There are drivers in our series that are going to be going head-to-head for the next decade," Mostert noted, emphasizing that hard racing and competitive fire are essential for success in the sport.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Feeney to see if he can channel his heartbreak into a championship-winning drive, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying year of Supercars action.
