Holden Racing Team drivers James Courtney and Garth Tander have taken fifth and sixth place respectively in a scorching safety car-affected race on Sunday in Darwin.

Courtney, who finished eighth and 11th in Saturday’s twin 100km races, got a great start from fifth on the grid – and rose as high as third on the opening lap.

However, a safety car and need to manage tyres dropped him down the order.

“I got a great start and we were trucking along well, and conserving everything as we needed to,” Courtney said.

“The safety car didn’t really help our strategy. We could have been third, if that didn’t emerge. However, we’re looking good and moving in the right direction – and that bodes well for the next round in Townsville.

Courtney’s teammate Tander, who has won in Darwin three times (2008, 2005 and 2000) previously, was pleased to follow him home in sixth.

The three-time Bathurst winner was inspired by his speed in the race.

“I was pleased with our pace today, normally we have fairly tough Sundays,” Tander said.

“It’s nice to finish one where you’re not far off the lead, so I’m excited for the future and will be pushing hard at our next event in Queensland.”

The V8 Supercars grid continues to chase the sun, with the Holden Racing Team off to Townsville in two weeks’ time on July 4-6.