British motorsport driver Ollie Millroy has given a Rolex watch to rival Loek Hartog as thanks for saving his life after a fiery crash at the Shanghai International Circuit earlier this month.
The 36-year-old was competing in a China GT event when two cars collided with his Ferrari on a bend. Footage shows Millroy's car bursting into flames as it spun off the track and hit a barrier, with thick black smoke rising into the sky. Hartog pulled up beside the wreckage and helped drag Millroy away from the scene alongside track staff.
Life-Saving Rescue
Millroy suffered broken ribs and a broken hand, as well as severe lung damage, but Hartog's quick actions ultimately saved his life. In response, Millroy surprised his 23-year-old rival at his recent birthday party, presenting him with a Rolex engraved with the message: "Thank you Loek."
Speaking about the gift, Hartog told the Guardian: "It was really special and they gave me a very special gift, because I gave them more time," highlighting the poignant meaning behind the watch. He added: "Somewhere along the way, Ollie, Fern, Wiep and I also just became friends."
Hartog continued: "And then, as if them being there wasn't enough, they gave me this. I still don't really have the right reaction for someone handing me a Rolex across a table. I hope the first photo says enough. It is an incredibly special gift that I'll keep and cherish forever."
Aftermath and Gratitude
Reflecting on the moments after the crash, Hartog said: "I couldn't sleep because I was overloaded and then Wiep, my partner, sent me a picture of Fern, the kids and Ollie at Disneyland." He added: "She was like, 'You did it for them.' That really struck me. Lots of people told me the marshals are not allowed to cross the guardrails on their own, which makes total sense on paper."
He went on: "But once something like this happens in front of you, I cannot believe you're telling people to go against their feeling. If your gut tells you to do something, it should be your cue to act. We should mandate rules that are more human."
Millroy also shared his appreciation on social media, writing: "I am still alive tonight, entirely thanks to one man. @loekhartog_ stopped instantly with no flag marshalls or fire crews in sight, and risked his own life to get me out of the car."
He added: "I don't remember anything between 30 seconds before the crash and 1 hour after it, but I will remember his incredible act of bravery for the rest of my life. One day I will tell our three kids this story and Loek will be the biggest superhero in history in their eyes too."
Millroy described his injuries as "5 broken ribs, broken collar bone, broken hand and finger and a bruised lung," adding "Thank you Loek. I owe you my life for your selfless act today." He also thanked fans for their messages, noted that his partner Fern was flying out to be with him, and said he faced a couple of operations the following day before a few weeks of rest.
