Enduro Cup co-driver Todd Hazelwood drove the #17 Ford Mustang to and from the circuit, as well as undertaking autograph signing session duties in Kostecki’s place.
A DJR spokesperson told Speedcafe Kostecki is battling a virus but will be fit to take to the track on Friday.
Hazelwood is at the event to race in the Trans Am Cup Series and will again partner with Kostecki at The Bend and Bathurst later this year.
The Hidden Valley event is one of the most tortuous of the season for drivers due to the heat, triggering new cooling rules to be introduced ahead of the event.
Darwin’s heat also makes Track to Town a tough one for the cars, which travel to and from the circuit at low speed under police escort.
David Reynolds’ Team 18 Camaro was taken back to the circuit on a flatbed truck after its engine overheated on the way to town.
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Chaz Mostert meanwhile arrived in the city as the last of the 24 cars, having pulled to the side of the road partway through the journey.
The team said Mostert was tending to an issue with the gear shifter in his #1 Toyota Supra.
Supercars will take to the track on Friday for a single practice session, qualifying and the opening race of the weekend.
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