DJR issues update on 'tough cookie' Kostecki

Brodie Kostecki has returned to the Darwin paddock after the Shell V-Power Racing Team star received medical intervention following Saturday's Darwin race.

Kostecki, who has been battling ill health all week, gallantly drove to third in Race 18 behind Penrite Racing's Kai Allen and Tickford Racing's Cam Waters.

The Shell V-Power Racing Team star received attention at the side of his car in PIRTEK Victory Lane, and missed the the podium and press conference as he was taken to the on-site medical centre.

Kostecki and Thomas Randle, who also received treatment following a suspected cool suit failure, were later released from the medical centre, and returned to their teams.

It's understood Kostecki had issues with his drinks system via the helmet, and was treated for dehydration.

Dick Johnson Racing Team Manager Tom Moore hailed the performance of his driver, who also won in Melbourne under duress from illness.

“As soon as he jumped out of the car, we put him in the medical car,” Moore said.

“He thrives in adversity. Normally when he’s angry at something or he’s sick, he performs at a very high level.

“He’s a tough cookie. It’s pretty hard to keep him down. He’s been pretty unwell this weekend.

“To be able to put the performances in he has, particularly in qualifying — basically dragged him out of a dark room in the truck, thrown him straight into the car — has been impressive.”

Moore worked with Kostecki at Erebus Motorsport, and notably watched on as Kostecki again defied illness to win the 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000.

When asked where Kostecki's Darwin efforts rate in his own experience working with the driver, Moore said: “It’s up there.

“I’ve seen him under some adverse conditions, whether there’s stuff going on around him in the team or his life, or physically health conditions.

“Coupled with where we are in Darwin in the heat, that’s definitely pretty tough. He wasn’t in a flash way this morning."

Kostecki and Randle are expected to contest Sunday's action.