Reigning Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki is set to miss the chance to defend his crown after reportedly quitting Erebus Motorsport.
The 26-year-old has walked out on the final year of his contract with the defending teams champion after a falling out with management, motorsport news outlet Speedcafe has reported.
Another report suggests Kostecki and team management held last-gasp talks on Tuesday in a final attempt to work together in 2024.
Remarkably, Erebus might be looking to defend their title with neither driver from last season, with Kostecki's teammate Will Brown having already left for Triple Eight Racing.
Speedcafe's report suggests Kostecki may miss the entire Supercars season, and he's almost certain to miss the opening round of the series at Bathurst next month.
As late as last Thursday Erebus was touting the "formidable pairing" of Kostecki and his race engineer George Commins as leading the team into 2024.
They've signed former talent Jack Le Brocq from Matt Stone Racing to fill the seat left vacant by Brown.
Kostecki's departure comes after his maiden title in 2023, where he piloted his Chevrolet Camaro to six race wins and 10 pole positions.
He's also flirted with following three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen to NASCAR, having made his series debut last August.
Erebus Racing told AAP they "couldn't make comment at this stage".
Kostecki's management team has also been contacted for comment.
The Supercars series kicks off with the Bathurst 500 on February 24 and 25.
