V8 Supercars: Bathurst champ Chaz Mostert says he’s lucky to be alive after horror crash

CHAZ Mostert admits he is lucky to be alive following the shocking high-speed crash that shook Mount Panorama on Friday.

BATHURST - v8 SUPERCARS

CHAZ Mostert admits he is lucky to be alive following the shocking high-speed crash that shook Mount Panorama on Friday.

Speaking exclusively to The Sunday Telegraph from Orange hospital just hours after undergoing surgery on a broken leg, the Ford champion relived the nightmare crash that ended his season and dream of winning a second straight Bathurst 1000.

Mostert, who also broke his wrist in the 170km/h hit, claimed he “would not have been able to live’’ with himself if he had seriously injured a marshal.

Seven race officials were treated following the crash that had them jumping for their lives.

“It was an absolute crazy crash and I didn’t know where I had ended up,’’ Mostert said.

“To hear that I had injured marshals was tough. I was really emotional. To think a marshal got hurt because of an accident I had, to be honest I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself. I am just so thankful they are OK.’’

Mostert, 23, said he was “lucky to be here’’ after being airlifted to Orange hospital, where he had a metal rod inserted in his leg after snapping his femur in a clean break.

“It was the biggest hit I have ever had in my career and I knew there was some things seriously wrong with me straight away,’’ Mostert said.

“It was concerning, but from my point of view I am very lucky to still be here and only have the damage that I have got.’’

Mostert recalled the horrifying seven seconds that saw him smash into three concrete walls before coming to a smoking stop.

“It was the first flying lap in qualifying and the sun was shining on the back part of the mountain,’’ Mostert said.

“You generally see some black tyre marks and follow your line but I just turned in that little bit early and didn’t realise it until the car came to a stop.’’

Mostert declared the crash would not end his career with the qualifying king vowing to return next year.

“I feel pretty knocked up after the surgery,’’ Mostert said. “I am not as in much pain as I was yesterday but we will see how I wake up in the morning. I am overwhelmed with the response from all the fans out there and It has put a spring in my step and I get really emotional thinking about all the people out there that have taken time out to wish me well. It has really given me motivation to get well and get back out there.

“I don’t think it will be this year but I will be back and hopefully I will be able to get some good results to pay everyone back.

“I will be living my dreams through my team now. I would certainly be out there racing with the boys and the girls but I know the team is in safe hands and has a great chance of a three-peat this weekend. Frosty will be on song and so will Dave. The girls will suprise everyone as well. It is just a shame I can’t be out there in Car No.6.

The Prodrive Racing Australia star thanked the emergency workers who rushed to his aid.

“The emergency crews were unbelievable,’’ Mostert said.

“They looked after me and I can’t thank them enough.

“We are so lucky in this sport to have such good people that know so much about health and how to look after us.”

Originally published as V8 Supercars: Bathurst champ Chaz Mostert says he’s lucky to be alive after horror crash