Targa racer Greg Garwood will compete at this weekend’s Targa High Country in Victoria despite being involved in a helicopter crash at Mount Buller yesterday.
One of the leading competitors in the Classic segment in his 1977 A9X Holden Torana, Garwood lost power while landing the Robinson R44 outside the village of Mount Buller. It tipped on its side, fortunately the Launceston businessman and three passengers suffered no serious injuries, with only one required to visit Mansfield Hospital with minor back pain.
“I feel just very blessed that we are all OK,” Garwood told Hobart’s Mercury newspaper.
“There was no wind; I really don’t know what happened. We were real close to the ground when we lost power.”
Garwood, his wife Luana, co-driver John Allen and mechanic Brad Sherriff were flying to the Targa High Country. Despite the pre-event scare he will race this weekend.
“No dramas — we’ll be right, as long as we don’t do anything else silly,” Mr Garwood said.
Australian Targa Championship event manager Stuart Benson said Mr Garwood was an experienced fixed and rotary wing pilot with hundreds of hours of flying experience.
“It is very fortunate that there are no injuries,” Mr Benson said.
“Everybody’s a bit shaken, but I’m pleased to say that everyone is OK.”
Mr Benson said he was delighted the Garwoods would still compete in the race.
“Greg’s wife is competing in another car,” he said. “It’s good to see them both competing after what’s happened.”
There are 200 cars competing in the Mt Buller round of the Australian Targa Championship.
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