Fraser praises doctors for quick turnaround

Declan Fraser has praised medical staff for his quick turnaround after he returned to the seat of his Tickford Mustang on Wednesday.

Fraser tested his #56 TRADIE Ford Mustang at Winton Motor Raceway on Wednesday.

It came after a turbulent fortnight for the 2022 Super2 champion, who was hospitalised after his first shakedown.

On February 15, Fraser shook down his new car in stifling heat at Winton despite battling a bout of tonsillitis.

He was later hospitalised and placed on an intravenous drip, with glandular fever also detected.

Fraser was subsequently ruled out of last week’s all-in Sydney Motorsport Park test, as well as Tickford media duties.

Fraser put on a brave face despite being unwell on February 15 (pictured)

Tickford co-drivers Garry Jacobson, Tyler Everingham, James Moffat and Zak Best substituted for Fraser in the Sydney test.

In a week, Fraser returned to the seat of his car for what will be the last time before his debut at the Thrifty Newcastle 500.

In a video reveal of his new helmet, Fraser praised doctors for getting him back to the track sooner than expected.

“It’s so good to be finally back in the car,” Fraser said.

“My fitness and everything is so much better — massive shoutout to all the doctors who helped get me through it so quickly.

“To be back in the car, feeling as fit as I am now, it’s a massive credit to them."

Fraser on Wednesday Pic: Colson Photography

Fraser returned on Wednesday and logged at least 100 laps of Winton, two weeks after he clocked another 100 laps despite his ill health.

The Queenslander was joined at Winton on Wednesday by teammate James Courtney, who tested his #5 Snowy Rivers Caravans Ford.

Walkinshaw Andretti United, Penrith Racing and Team 18 also tested at Winton.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.