Kostecki ruled out, Hazelwood called up

Brodie Kostecki will not contest Sunday's action in Darwin, with Bathurst-winning co-driver Todd Hazelwood called up to drive the #17 Ford.

The 2023 Supercars champion has been fighting a virus in recent days, and received treatment at the on-site medical centre after Saturday’s race.

Kostecki finished third in Race 18 despite battling an issue restricting flow in his in-car drinks system, and was treated for dehydration after being helped from his car post-race.

Kostecki has been managed by team physiotherapist Paul Haines, with Supercars Medical Delegate Dr Carl Le also assessing the 2024 Bathurst winner’s health.

In a team statement, Dick Johnson Racing said "lingering after effects" have rendered Kostecki unable to contest Sunday's action. Hazelwood was informed as he prepared for Sunday's morning Trans Am race.

The statement says: "Brodie Kostecki will not participate in any Supercars sessions on Sunday at the Darwin Triple Crown.

"Brodie was assessed by Supercars Medical Delegate Dr Carl Le this morning following the virus and dehydration that caused him to be taken to the medical centre after finishing in third place in Saturday’s Race 18.

"Although he received clearance to drive from that issue, lingering after effects have rendered him unable to participate in the rest of the weekend.

"Shell V-Power Racing Team endurance co-driver Todd Hazelwood will drive Car 17 in Kostecki’s place in qualifying and Race 19."

Hazelwood has previously filled in for Kostecki at Erebus Motorsport in 2024, contesting the opening two rounds of the season at Bathurst and Melbourne.

Kostecki reduced his deficit to Broc Feeney from 173 to 117 points across Friday and Saturday, and will now likely fall out of Repco Sprint Cup contention.

Thomas Randle was also treated by medics post-race following a cool suit failure, but has recovered and will race on Sunday.