It's just over two months since Lee Holdsworth fractured his pelvis in a horror crash at Darwin's Hidden Valley.
In one of the most remarkable sporting comebacks in 2016, Holdsworth strapped himself back into his Holden Commodore for Friday's opening practice of the Sydney SuperSprint Supercars event.
With that hurdle cleared, the 33-year-old is eyeing off a return to racing at next month's Sandown 500.
He's had to hand the keys back to co-driver Karl Reindler for the remainder of the weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park but Holdsworth is clearly itching to get back behind the wheel.
"My expectations are higher than they were before," Holdsworth said.
"Now I'd like to see some top fives. That's just because I'm so determined.
"Watching at home it kills you ... and also Karl now having more laps, more experience in the car, I feel like we'll actually be rocking up to Sandown with a better shot than we would have had before."
Holdsworth says his convalescence gave him a new appreciation of how much he enjoys being a professional racecar driver.
"Sitting on the sidelines you realise how lucky you are to be in this position to drive for a living," he said.
"Coming back, I certainly want to make the most of the second half of my career and go out there and get some results.
"I suppose it does change your mindset a little bit, but in a good way."
