Courtney car repaired for Darwin finale

James Courtney will take to the grid for the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown finale.

Courtney was implicated in a multi-car crash on the first lap of Race 16.

The #5 Snowy River Caravans Mustang surfed across the Turn 5/6 infield following contact.

Courtney hit a tyre barrier before cluttering into Scott Pye, who will not race.

Team 18 commenced repairs on Pye’s #20 Nulon Commodore, with the car requiring a transaxle replacement.

The #18 Commodore was ruled out just 10 minutes prior to race start; Pye was set to launch from seventh.

The Courtney car after the race

To 45 minutes to race start, a Team 18 spokesperson said the Pye car was “50-50” to race.

Courtney, however, will take to his 18th place grid slot.

Tickford CEO and Team Principal Tim Edwards hailed his crew for the rapid repairs.

“The whole back end, all the rear suspension both sides, all the rear bodywork,” Edwards told Supercars.com.

“All the sheet metal under the back of the car, a lot of rail damage at the front as well.

“The guys have done an amazing job to get the job done.

“There’s a tear in my eye for the $50,000 we just lost!

“But I’m so proud of everyone, big effort.”

It comes after Courtney crashed in Friday afternoon practice.

The Merlin Darwin Triple Crown will conclude with Race 18 at 3:25pm local time.