Supercars to review Bathurst safety after 12Hr shunt

The Supercars Commission will look into ways of improving safety at Mount Panorama in the wake of a nasty crash which red flagged the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

Drivers have called for improvements to be made to the run from Sulman Park to McPhillamy Park after Ash Walsh’s stricken Audi R8 was struck by an unsighted John Martin, putting both drivers in hospital.

The blind corner has been witness to several high profile incidents over the years, including the death of Mark Porter in 2006, and a heavy clash between Paul Weel and Chris Pither during practice for the 2008 Bathurst 1000.

Supercars acting CEO Shane Howard has told Speedcafe.com that Supercars has taken note of incident with discussions already underway regarding possible improvements.

It is understood systems such as warning lights for the area are among the ideas in a bid to help warn oncoming drivers of an incident

“That was a very nasty incident at Bathurst,” Howard told Speedcafe.com.

“It has been discussed at board level and there will be a direction going to the commission to look at the best operating procedures and what is available in technology in regard to a warning system to assist in warning drivers of that sort of incident.”

Supercars driver Will Davison was among those to voice his concerns regarding the safety of the Sulman Park to McPhillamy Park section of track following the Bathurst 12 Hour incident.

“I can’t believe we haven’t learnt after previous situations there,” 2009 and 2016 Bathurst 1000 winner Will Davison tweeted after the crash.

“Such a scary situation for both parties, something we all fear. NEEDS to be improved immediately. Unmissable & instant lighting on both sides.”

It is expected that possible improvements will be discussed at the next commission meeting, but it is unknown if changes will be implemented in time for this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in October.