THE TRIO CUT SHORT BY THE CHASE

The opening stint of the 2022 Bathurst 1000 was one of the most calamitous starts to The Great Race in the modern era.

One of the big flashpoints was the three-car smash at the exit of the Chase in which three cars had their hopes ended early.

International Porsche Superstar Matt Campbell said after the race it was the worst collision he had ever been in.

“(Zane) Goddard skated across the track and directly into my path. I got on the brakes as hard as I could but I had nowhere to go,” Campbell explained.

“My ribs are really, really sore but I’m ok. I feel for the team and everyone who has worked so hard.”

From Goddard’s point of view, he was disappointed to be the focal point of the incident and explained how the collision came to be.

“Unfortunately I just made a mistake. I had a run on Murph (Greg Murphy) down Conrod, went to make the move and locked a brake into the Chase,” Goddard said.

“Once I was in the mud I knew I had to keep my speed up to not get bogged, but I had to keep control as well. 

“I felt fine but right before I got back to the track I hit another big puddle and the car just went straight and unfortunately speared across the track and took a couple big hits. I am really sorry to JC, Woody (Dale Wood) and Matt, it was a little mistake but obviously had big consequences.”

For Wood, he exited The Chase and did not have any time to avoid the rejoining Goddard, and was the first car to get hit in the massive three-car smash.

Wood shared his feelings about having his Bathurst weekend being cut so cruelly short; after the incident, the broadcast showed him in a visibly inconsolable state. 

“This whole build-up is about this one moment,” the #8 BJR racer said.

“It’s about going racing. I felt like we had a very good opportunity. For it to be over so soon, it’s gutting. I’m absolutely spewing.”

All three drivers will now go their separate ways with Wood off to the Gold Coast to drive in the Carrera Cup, whilst Goddard may race S5000’s in the Tasman Series, and Campbell will return to America following his IMSA triumph to continue testing for the all-new LMDh Porsche Penske Motorsport team.

The one thing for sure, is that all three won’t soon forget their most recent trips to The Mountain.

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