A Call For Better Response Times.

Motorsport Australia officials are investigating a heavy crash during the Bathurst 12 Hour race. The Track Hub were present for the 12Hr weekend and witnessed the crash 1st hand. At first, I believed my thoughts on how the incident played out was biased due to the emotional investment. But after much deliberation, and without pointing fingers to any Marshall/Volunteer/Service in particular, the whole scenario pre/post impact was significantly lacking in any professionalism for an event of that calibre.

The incident occurred when the race-leading Craft-Bamboo Mercedes, driven by Ralf Aron, collided with Johannes Zelger's stationary Tsunami RT Porsche at Forrest’s Elbow. Aron suffered a broken back, though both drivers exited their cars.

Zelger, a lapped runner, had received a ‘wave-by’ during a Safety Car period and was reportedly spun by Kai Allen after tagging a wall. Damien Hamilton's Volante Rosso Aston Martin stopped to avoid Zelger, and Aron, without radio communication, then crashed into Zelger.

Officials are being criticized for their handling of the scenario, as almost 30 seconds passed between Zelger spinning and Aron's impact. Double-waved yellow flags were deployed by marshals at one point, but not further up the road.

Craft-Bamboo and Aron have requested a review of safety procedures from race control. The incident has raised questions about race control's actions and the wave-by rule. Motorsport Australia has not yet updated on the investigation.

The lack of Yellow/Red flags and response times were inadequate, little if not no communications PLUS no radio comms needs to be looked into seriously. Having an International Driver crawling from a wreck, with a broken back unassisted to the opposite side of the road to climb a wall to seek refuge is without doubt, unacceptable.

We would like to wish Ralf Aron a swift recovery, and to see him back at the Mountain leading a race sooner rather than later. In line with this, lets hope our sport receives the refinement it requires to keep the drivers safe at all times.