Drivers fighting for life after Fujitsu crash.
By Matthew Agius
Hyundai Construction Racing driver Mark Porter has been flown to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney today after a dramatic incident at McPhilliamy Park atop Mount Panorama in the opening race for this weekend's Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series round at Bathurst.
By Matthew Agius
Hyundai Construction Racing driver Mark Porter has been flown to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney today after a dramatic incident at McPhilliamy Park atop Mount Panorama in the opening race for this weekend's Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series round at Bathurst.
At an event that is paying tribute to the death of the late Peter Brock, the collision occurred through McPhilliamy Park after Porter, having spun out, was initially hit in the back of his VY Commodore by Chris Alajajian before the Ford Falcon of David Clark was unable to miss the stranded Porter and slammed into the driver's side of him.
At estimated speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, the crash between Clark's Optima Sport Falcon and the M-Sport Commodore of Porter saw the race red-flagged
Clark was airlifted to Nepean Hospital with serious head and neck injuries and remains in a critical condition, whilst New Zealand-born Porter has been taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital after stabilisation treatment at Bathurst Base Hospital, and is believed to be suffering from the same condition.
The incident and subsequent track recovery delayed the start of qualifying for the main V8 Supercar division - where Mark Skaife took provisional pole position.
Both men are married with children, Porter residing on the Gold Coast whilst Clark lives in Adelaide.
V8 Supercar chairman Tony Cochrane was quick to reiterate the dangers associated with not only touring car racing, but motorsport in general.
"Motor sport is an inherently dangerous sport," he said.
"It's a terrible accident and our thoughts are with the families and we just hope for a good outcome. We just have to wait and see."
Porter was set to participate in Sunday's Supercheap Auto 1000 in the main level of the sport with Team BOC's Dale Brede, however will take no further part in the event. V8 Sueprcars Australia and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport have started support services for the families of the two drivers.
More information is expected later tonight.