Bathurst first days marred by accidents

On the eve of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mt Panorama, two major accidents have put three teams out of action.

Yesterday saw team owner and driver Paul Weel cut from the wreck of his PWR Commodore after Team Kiwi rookie, Chris Pither ploughed into him at McPhillamy Park. Weel spun after clipping a barrier forcing him sideways into the middle of the track and Pither had no opportunity of avoiding him, hitting him almost dead centre..

This incident was similar to that a couple of years ago where fellow Kiwi driver Mark Porter received serious injuries and later died in Nepean Hospital after his family made the decision to turn his life support off. Although Pither managed to walk away, Weel was flown to Westmead Hospital in Sydney, and at first his condition was considered serious, however, a short time ago he was cleared, suffering only a fractured rib.

During the practice session this morning, another Kiwi driver, Paul Radisich piloting the HSV Dealer Team Commodore collided with the concrete wall coming onto Skyline at the top of the mountain. He continued through the sand trap, which appeared to offer little resistance and hit the tyre barrier causing considerable damage to the front right of the #15 car. Medical staff were quick on the scene and after extricating him from the wreck stretchered him to a waiting ambulance where he was taken to the Philips/Sonosite Medical Centre. It is believed that Radisich has only suffered a fractured right ankle.

In 2006, Radisich was involved in another major accident, again at Bathurst whilst driving with the Team kiwi outfit, which saw him break a leg, which ended his chance of a drive in the 2007 championship.

Team mate Rick Kelly, although no doubt disappointed, as his chance in the championship now fades, was offering all his support to the Radisich family, stating that Paul's health was paramount at this time.

All three cars were considered right offs, although a short time ago Team Kiwi announced that they were confident their car would be ready for the start of tomorrow's Bathurst 1000.