Wonthaggi CFA volunteer Ashley England cool in a crash crisis at Dalyston's Mud Run car race

OFF-duty CFA volunteer Ashley England saw all hell break loose at Dalyston's Mud Run car race in January.

Ashley England

OFF-duty CFA volunteer Ashley England saw all hell break loose at Dalyston's Mud Run car race in January.

Part of a rowdy crowd at the track near Wonthaggi, the 22-year-old was watching cars zip by when one ploughed into a bank and became airborne.

Mr England, who was about four metres away, watched in horror as the vehicle nose-dived into the crowd, hitting a man and three children.

Amid the chaos, he called for calm as onlookers began hurling the car back down the embankment, unaware a 15-year-old girl had her arm painfully pinned by it.

"No one thought to look if she was trapped," he said.

"Every time they pulled the car, they pulled her with it. I just started screaming, 'She's trapped! Don't lift yet!', and I somehow managed to free her."

As a result, the girl emerged unscathed.

"She was really scared and going in and out of shock," he said.

Mr England has volunteered for the Wonthaggi Fire Brigade for seven years. His officer in charge, Kim O'Connor, said Mr England had "done an exceptional job", and nominated him for an Outstanding Bravery medal in this year's Pride of Australia awards.

"His instinct kicked in and he was able to help people who really needed it," he said.

Pride of Australia recognises Victoria's unsung heroes in 10 categories.

Nominations close on July 16. Details at prideofaustralia.com.au