The 2024 Bathurst 6 Hour is set to face a significant shake-up as a devastating crash during the final practice session has led to the withdrawal of one of its top contenders. The #24 BMW M3, driven by Michael Auld, suffered extensive damage in an incident on Mountain Straight, prompting the team to pull out of the race scheduled for April 20, 2025.
The crash occurred during the last 40 minutes of practice on April 19, involving multiple cars and resulting in a premature end to the session. Michael Auld, who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, was accompanied by his son Hayden and Tyler Everingham as part of the team. "We’re not going to be able to repair that car. It’s fairly badly damaged," Everingham told V8 Sleuth. He added, "It’s pretty unfortunate, I don’t think it was Michael’s fault; it’s just busy out there and there’s traffic, and these things happen. Unfortunately, we won’t be making the race. It’s a bit of heartbreak as we were trying to come back here and get a good result, especially after the last couple of years here at the 6 Hour we’ve had a bit of bad luck. I’m sure we’ll be back and try again."
The accident not only affected Auld's team but also left the Brett Osborn-driven Class D BMW 125i with damage. Osborn's vehicle, which suffered right-side damage to both the front and rear, is racing against time to see if it can be repaired in time for the race. Team boss Andrew McMaster expressed optimism, stating, "Brett is okay. By what I can see, we can repair it. We have spares and we will work all night if necessary." Meanwhile, the Auld family is left to contemplate the ramifications of their withdrawal.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Michael Auld was taken to the medical center with possible broken ribs following the crash. Everingham noted, "He was talking. He was obviously in quite a bit of pain. It was a bit of a rough crash, as you’d expect at that speed." This incident adds to the drama surrounding the Bathurst 6 Hour, known for its high-speed thrills and unpredictable outcomes.
The withdrawal of the Auld team has opened the door for a standby entry, a Class A2 Ford Mustang to be driven by Graham Cheney, Jarrod Hughes, and Tim Brook. This new addition to the race is a testament to the competitive nature of the event, where every position counts and opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
As the teams prepare for the race on April 20, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The Bathurst 6 Hour is renowned for its challenging conditions and fierce rivalries, and this year is no exception. The stakes are high, and with the field now slightly altered, fans are eager to see how the remaining competitors will respond.
Despite the setback, Auld's team remains hopeful for a future return to the iconic Bathurst circuit. Their history at the event has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, and this latest incident is just another chapter in their ongoing story. As fans rally behind their favorite drivers, the Bathurst 6 Hour promises to deliver yet another unforgettable race.
