Supercars driver Richie Stanaway has been ruled out of the Darwin Triple Crown, with the New Zealander battling a recurring neck injury.
Stanaway was a late withdrawal at the most recent round in Winton last month and has been replaced by his enduro co-driver Chris Pither.
The injury stems from a high-speed accident seven years ago when Stanaway broke his back. Scans after Winton revealed he had a bulging disc in his neck.
"Since Winton, Richie's health had been improving on a daily basis, yet he suffered a setback a couple of days ago," read a Boost Mobile Racing team statement.
"He has been advised by (Supercars doctor) Dr Carl and a neurosurgeon to undergo further treatment to be fit and race ready for Townsville."
Stanaway will not travel to Darwin and prepare for the Townsville 400 on July 5-7.
Pither finished 14th in the Sunday race at Winton, which equalled Stanaway's best result of the season.
