Possum Bourne injured in New Zealand accident

Friday 18 April 2003 -- Peter 'Possum' Bourne was critically injured in a car accident in Queenstown, New Zealand. The seven time Australian Rally Champion was doing a pre-run with several other rallyists for the Race ot the Sky at Mount Cardosa. The event is considered the 'Pikes Peak of the South Pacific.'

Bourne had a head-on collision on the Waiorau Snowfarm Road with a fellow competitior, Mike Barltrop who suffered a broken leg, his passenger was uninjured. All involved were wearing seat belts, it is believed that a dust storm contiributed to the accident.

The Race to the Sky this weekend is an event Bourne and his Team always look forward to and is the 2nd largest Motorsport event in New Zealand following Propecia Rally NZ. Event Director Grant Aitken said a convoy of competitors driving road cars were inspecting the road under controlled conditions with official lead and a tail cars monitoring speed.

Emergency service vehicles were on the scene within minutes and Bourne was airlifted to Dunedin hospital where his condition is described as Grade 1 - the most serious condition in medical terms. His injuries consist of head, chest and leg injuries. The team is reassured that Dunedin Hospital hosts the best surgeons and he is in the best of care.

Statement from the sanctioning body, the team and Bourne's family:

Possums family are with him now and we sincerely ask that you support them in your thoughts and prayers for Possum's speedy recovery, along with Mike.

From all Staff of PBMS and PBPC, the ARC and PWRC Teams, our love and prayers go to Possum, Peggy, Taylor, Spencer and Jazlin, his mum Peggy, sister Kristine and children, brother Geoff, Linda and family, and sister Debbie.

If you wish to offer support, a message may be posted on our PWRC sight or direct your emails to: possum@possumbourne.co.nz; kristine@possumbourne.co.nz; or myself moya@possumbourne.co.nz and I will personally see that all messages will be forwarded while Possums family are currently with him in Dunedin Hospital. Postal address is: PBMS, PO Box 523, Pukekohe, NZ

Last weekend at Rally NZ, we helped Possum celebrate his 47th birthday and also his wedding anniversary. Peggy and their children had made a special "Race to the Sky" chocolate cake and suprised Possum at the Te Kauwhata service on the Sunday.

Please note: The Silverstone Race to the Sky will go ahead as planned with practice commencing Saturday morning and the final Race to the Sky event on Sunday. (www.racetothesky.com)

*** A big, big THANK YOU for the overwhelming amount of emails, phone calls and messages for Possum and his family that we have received over the last 24 hours, both here in NZ and Australia and indeed around the world. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel to have such marvellous support from you all. THANK YOU SO MUCH.***

-CooP

www.possumbourne.co.nz
possum@possumbourne.co.nz
kristine@possumbourne.co.nz
moya@possumbourne.co.nz

Possum Bourne Motorsport 159C Manukau Road, Pukekohe NZ Po Box 523, Pukekohe, NZ