Boost Mobile Racing powered by Erebus’ Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown have had a challenging day at Pukekohe Park Raceway as they continue to get their head around the New Zealand circuit.

With some work to do in the 41-lap race, Will got a ripper start from P22 and went down the outside of his teammate who started in P20.

There was a fair bit of action in the opening lap and as the field settled into a rhythm it was Brodie who made it through ahead of his teammate, 4 spots up from where he started in P16 and Will up 5 places to P17.

Brodie opted to take his compulsory pit stops early, stopping at the end of lap 6 for rear-tyres only. It was a fast stop by the crew, though it quickly unravelled when there was commotion up ahead.

As Brodie re-joined the fast lane, Jake Kostecki lost a left-rear wheel in front of him, and as Brodie tried to avoid the injured car he accidentally turned off his pit lane limiter before the beacon and was later handed a 15-second time penalty.

Will stopped on lap 13 for his rear rubber and quickly returned to the field after another quick stop by the team.

The Safety Car was deployed with 10 laps to go, bunching the field up for the final run home. Will took the opportunity to pit, taking left-side tyres time and re-joining in P20 before race went green.

Brodie made it 7 spots up from where he started to P13 at the finish line, though with the time penalty lingering, dropped to P20, just behind his teammate in P19.

The team now prepare to come back stronger for tomorrow’s final day at Pukekohe, with back-to-back qualifying followed by two races.