Mount Panorama witnessed terrifying scenes yesterday when Jack Longhurst, son of two-time Bathurst 1000 champion Tony Longhurst, was involved in a serious crash that required emergency airlift to hospital.
The incident occurred during practice sessions at the iconic circuit, sending shockwaves through the motorsport community. Emergency services responded immediately to the scene where the young driver's vehicle had sustained significant damage.
Emergency Response and Hospital Transfer
Paramedics and circuit medical teams provided urgent treatment at the track before the decision was made to airlift the injured driver to Westmead Hospital in Sydney. The precise nature of his injuries hasn't been officially disclosed, but the requirement for aerial transport indicates the seriousness of the situation.
Witnesses described the crash as dramatic, with one spectator noting: "It was one of those moments that makes your blood run cold. You never want to see any driver involved in something like that."
Racing Legacy and Family Concern
Tony Longhurst, Jack's father and a revered figure in Australian motorsport, watched on as emergency crews worked to extract his son from the damaged vehicle. The elder Longhurst secured his Bathurst 1000 victories in 1988 and 2001, cementing his status as a racing legend.
Jack Longhurst has been following in his father's footsteps, competing in the Touring Car Masters series with the Supercheap Auto Racing team. The team has expressed their full support for the Longhurst family during this difficult time.
Community Support and Investigation
The motorsport community has rallied around the Longhurst family, with messages of support flooding social media from fellow drivers, teams, and fans. Circuit officials have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Mount Panorama is renowned as one of the world's most challenging circuits, with its steep elevation changes and demanding corners testing even the most experienced drivers. Safety remains paramount, with ongoing improvements to both vehicle safety systems and circuit infrastructure.
Further updates on Jack Longhurst's condition are expected as medical assessments continue at Westmead Hospital.
