AUSF3: McColl fatally injured at Phillip Island

The statement below was sent to Motorsport.com on behalf of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport on Saturday, 9 August 2003:

A driver died in an accident during a motor race meeting at Phillip Island, south of Melbourne, this afternoon.

Stewart McColl, 23, single, from Sydney, was driving a Volkswagen Golf during a practice session for round six of the Australian GT Performance Championship at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

Announcing the tragedy, President of the Confederation of Australian Motorsport Colin Osborne said CAMS, the event promoters and circuit operators were cooperating with authorities investigating the accident.

Relatives of the driver are currently being informed.

"This is a very sad day, but you will all be aware motor racing carries with it some significant risks," Mr Osborne said.

"On behalf of CAMS and all the motorsport community I express our deepest condolences to the family."

The accident happened at turn four of the circuit at 1.39 pm.

Team BRM Australia Formula 3 Series statement:
As a mark of respect for Stewart McColl, who was also a member of the Formula 3 association, the front row of the grid for tomorrow's races will be left empty.

Team BRM wishes to take this opportunity to offer their deepest condolences to McColl's family and friends. His death is a great loss to motorsport.