Injured Prodrive racer Chaz Mostert made a surprise cameo appearance at the Castrol Gold Coast 600.
Mostert was released on special grounds for the day from a Brisbane hospital where he continues to recover from the horrific injuries sustained in a qualifying crash at Bathurst.
With his broken left leg in a brace and his left wrist in a cast, Mostert caught members of his team by surprise when he was wheeled into the garage after the race by father Eddy.
He held court in front of several PRA team members including Tim Edwards, Rod Nash and drivers Mark Winterbottom, Cameron Waters, David Reynolds, Steve Owen, Andre Heimgartner, Ant Pedersen.
“I basically bribed the doctors to let me out for Sunday to let me support my team,” Mostert said.
“I'm just out for the day, I've got to go back in but to be honest the way I feel today, getting out and seeing friends and family and getting some fresh air, I feel like my rehab has doubled.
“I'll be trying to beg the doctors to let me go home early.”
When asked if he had been given a prognosis on the length of his recovery, Mostert told Speedcafe.com that he is on target to return to the #6 Ford in time for the Clipsal 500 in early March.
“The only question I've asked is if I'm going to be right for Clipsal next year?” he said.
“And everyone (doctors) is pretty confident of that so I'm pushing pretty hard for that now.”
Mostert says that he intends to be on hand to offer the team support as his team-mate Mark Winterbottom chases a maiden championship at the final two rounds at Phillip Island and Sydney Olympic Park.
“To have a bit of a driver's opinion on what the car is doing then I'll be here to help as well,” he said.
Mostert said he has appreciated the presence of family and friends as he continues his long road to full health.
“I'm doing all my rehab up here in Brisbane with family,” he said.
“It's obviously good to have loved ones around on times when you need them.
“I'm leaning on them a lot at the moment.”