The heat is on high school student Alex Rullo ahead of his historic Supercars Championship debut in this weekend's Adelaide 500 series opener.
At 16, Rullo knew he would face a baptism of fire by becoming the youngest full-time driver in Supercars history.
But it seems nothing can prepare the Perth year 12 pupil for what awaits at the unforgiving street circuit.
Especially after a disrupted preparation.
Track-side temperatures nudging 40 degrees celsius have been forecast ahead of the weekend's two 250km races and body temperatures inside the vehicle are expected to exceed 70 degrees celsius.
"I had my appendix out five weeks ago so I have been off the weights but I have been on the bike," Rullo told speedcafe website.
Yet the teenager remains unfazed about entering the Adelaide cauldron.
He opted not to wear a cool suit and helmet fan at recent testing at Sydney to prepare for the brutal conditions.
Rullo will make his debut in 2017 along with Simona de Silvestro - the first female full-time Supercars driver in 32 years.
Rullo hoped they could start a "cool rivalry" in the sweltering Adelaide conditions.
Asked about his season goal, Rullo told AAP: "To be the fastest rookie this year.
"Obviously there's Simona and she's a confident, competent driver so it will be cool to see how she goes with Supercars labelled as one of the hardest touring car championships in the world.
"I've got a bit of an upper hand in Supercars experience but she has her whole career - it will be hopefully a cool rivalry."
Last year Rullo was the youngest driver to contest the second-tier Dunlop series, grabbing sixth place at home track Barbagallo and at Sandown.
Usually drivers must be 17 or older to earn a Superlicence.
However, the Australian motorsport governing body gave Rullo a provisional Superlicence and will monitor his progress after the teenager applied for special dispensation.
Rullo will be 16 years, eight months and 17 days old when he starts on the Adelaide grid - 79 days younger than record holder Paul Dumbrell, who debuted in 1999.
Practice for the Adelaide season opener begins on Friday.
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