Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Brodie Kostecki’s hopes of winning a first Darwin Triple Crown have been dashed after the Dick Johnson Racing star pulled out of Sunday’s Supercars races because of illness.
Kostecki came into the weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway battling a virus, and it took its toll in Saturday’s 200km 70-lap race as his helmet malfunctioned, meaning he couldn’t receive water in the blistering conditions.
After the race, the 2024 Bathurst 1000 winner slumped to the ground and was rushed to the doctor.
Regardless, Kostecki finished third and was heralded by team manager Tom Moore, who said it was one of the gutsiest race efforts he had ever witnessed.
But before qualifying on Sunday, the Dick Johnson Racing team confirmed that he would not take the grid for the final race of the weekend.
“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,” the team’s statement said.
“Although he received clearance to drive from that issue, lingering after effects have rendered him unable to participate in the rest of the weekend.”
Kostecki will be replaced by Todd Hazelwood, who is his endurance co-driver.
Hazelwood, who won the Bathurst 1000 in 2024 with Erebus Motorsport and Kostecki, has already been competing at Hidden Valley Raceway in the Trans Am series.
Hazelwood and his competitors will take the grid for the first section of qualifying at 10.35 am (local time) ahead of Race 19 beginning at 2.40 pm.
