Mount Panorama Carnage: Two Terrifying Crashes Halt Bathurst 12 Hour Race
Mount Panorama was transformed into a scene of utter devastation on Sunday as two horrifying crashes occurred within mere minutes, forcing the Bathurst 12 Hour race to an abrupt stop and leaving spectators deeply concerned for the safety of multiple drivers. The dramatic incidents unfolded with Supercars competitor James Golding miraculously escaping a fiery wreck, followed swiftly by race leader Ralf Aron being involved in a high-speed collision during a restart that resulted in the event being red-flagged with three and a half hours remaining.
James Golding's Fiery Escape
James Golding's #268 Audi erupted into flames after he ran wide at the Metal Grate section, spun into the barrier, and became airborne before coming to rest near John Hinxman Vista. Stunned onlookers watched in disbelief as the vehicle burst into a fireball. Remarkably, Golding managed to extricate himself from the wreckage under his own power and was later confirmed to be unharmed. Commentary from Garth Tander captured the intensity of the moment, noting, 'You could see when he dropped into Reid Park he was a little bit wide and you can not get it back. Heavy, heavy impact.'
A somber Mark Rosser, the team owner, reflected on the incident, stating, 'The first thing is Jimmy is alright. He got out of the car so that's the main thing. The car is probably toast.' The crash served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in motorsport, yet Golding's ability to walk away provided a moment of relief amidst the chaos.
Restart Chaos and Ralf Aron's Brutal Impact
The drama escalated significantly during the subsequent restart. Chaos erupted near Forrest Elbow when Johannes Zelger’s #79 Porsche and the #14 Aston Martin were left slow-moving in a blind spot, leading to contact with Kai Allen amid the confusion. Moments later, Ralf Aron, who was leading the race in the #77 Mercedes, arrived at the scene at full speed with no prior warning. The resulting impact was devastatingly brutal.
The Mercedes collided violently with the stationary Porsche, losing its bonnet and briefly catching fire as debris was scattered across the circuit. Both drivers managed to scramble free, with Aron climbing over a fence before resting on the grass. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in Orange for observation. Broadcast reporter Shea Adam provided an update, saying, 'The good news is Ralf is stable. He is being transported to a local hospital in Orange for further observation.'
In a remarkable display of skill, Luca Stolz somehow navigated his way through the wreckage directly behind his Mercedes teammate without sustaining any damage. Kai Allen later described the restart as a 'very weird situation,' adding, 'I accidentally hit him. Very unfortunate to see that massive crash. I hope everyone's OK.'
Race Suspension and Aftermath
The red flag was waved shortly after the second crash as officials dealt with extensive debris and fluid on the track, bringing the Bathurst 12 Hour to a grinding halt. The sequence of events left fans and participants alike in a state of shock, highlighting the unpredictable and perilous nature of endurance racing at Mount Panorama. While the physical well-being of the drivers involved appears to have been safeguarded, the incidents underscore the constant risks faced in professional motorsport and the critical importance of safety protocols in such high-stakes environments.
