A major crash during the Bathurst 12 Hour race has left fans and participants shaken, as footage captured the harrowing moment when Stephen Grove's Mercedes GT3 crashed dramatically after contact with fellow driver Kenny Habul. The incident occurred early on February 2, 2025, at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, notorious for its challenging layout.
During the race, Grove and Habul were battling for position, running 8th and 9th respectively. The tension escalated as they approached the Skyline section of the track. Habul, believing Grove was signaling him to pass, made his move only to find their cars making side-by-side contact. This caused Grove's vehicle to veer against the wall on the driver’s left, launching it airborne and dangerously close to clearing the safety fence.
Commentator Richard Craill observed the incident closely, stating, "That's the closest a car has ever gone to going over the wall there." Video footage later displayed Grove gasping for breath as he managed to exit the wreckage unassisted. Emergency personnel swiftly attended to him, and he was taken to the on-site medical center before being transferred to Orange hospital for observation.
Habul expressed his remorse during the live broadcast, where he stated, "I'm really disappointed for them," acknowledging the gravity of the situation he inadvertently created. He believed Grove was letting him through, which contributed to the collision. Habul, who is no stranger to the Bathurst race, did not shy away from commenting on the overall aggressive driving standards. He remarked, "There's just too much testosterone. Throw in the mix a few pelicans and it's madness." His statements encapsulate frustrations shared by many over the aggressive racing behavior seen early on.
Earlier, the race had already witnessed multiple incidents leading to four Safety Car periods within the first third of the event. Ryan Sorensen faced disastrous luck when his McLaren lost control at McPhillamy Park, crashing heavily and impacting another vehicle driven by Marcel Zalloua. Commentator John Hindhaugh reacted with disbelief, quipping, "How's your luck - oh my goodness me ... that's brutal." Sorensen too was taken for medical evaluations following his crash.
Despite the chaos, other drivers experienced their share of unfortunate events, including Craig Lowndes, who was forced to retire early after hitting the wall. The race atmosphere has certainly been intense, raising questions about the driving etiquette expected during such high-stakes competitions.
Reflecting on the wrecks, Habul urged restraint among the field, noting, "Nothing (good) happens in the first 11 and a half hours." His comment reflects not just his personal experience but also the cumulative frustration among competitors who urge for more caution at the start of the race when risks are heightened. Many wondered if the aggressiveness would continue to shape the outcome of this storied endurance race.
The Bathurst 12 Hour remains one of the premier endurance racing events, attracting top-tier talent from around the world. The pursuit of speed often clashes with safety, especially when competitors forget the long game and shift focus to immediate gains. The incidents of this year serve as reminders of the risks involved and the need for both skill and prudence on the track.
Conclusively, as drivers, teams, and fans digest the events of the day, there lies hope for improved standards and safety protocols as the race continues. The passion for motorsport remains strong, with everyone eager to see how the remainder of the race will play out under such testing conditions.