Kostecki on track to race amid illness

Shell V-Power Racing Team star Brodie Kostecki is set to race at this weekend’s betr Darwin Triple Crown amid his recovery from illness.

The 2023 Supercars champion currently sits third in the championship standings.

Kostecki completed media duties and a track walk at Hidden Valley Raceway on Thursday, and was rested at the team hotel on Thursday evening.

Co-driver Todd Hazelwood stepped in at Thursday evening’s Track to Town and signing session, with Shell V-Power Racing Team opting to rest Kostecki.

A Dick Johnson Racing spokesperson told Supercars.com that Kostecki is expected to be in the car from first practice on Friday morning.

The team’s decision to rest Kostecki on Thursday evening comes ahead of one of Supercars’ traditionally hot events, with all three days of the Darwin event tipped to hit 30 degrees.

Regardless, Supercars has tweaked the rules to mandate the use of the helmet air and cool suit when the heat policy — on days where the local ambient temperature is forecast to exceed 32.9 degrees — is active.

For what it's worth, Kostecki defied illness in Melbourne back in March to claim pole and win, on a weekend that stamped home his championship credentials.

Track action in Darwin commences with practice at 10:35am local time, followed by Boost Mobile Qualifying at 1:35pm, and Race 17 at 5:30pm.