Supercars: James Golding opens up on how he escaped blaze during testing event in Sydney

James Golding has opened up about his dramatic escape after his car caught on fire during testing at Sydney Motorsport Park.

James Golding and his burnt-out car.

James Golding has opened up about his dramatic escape after his car caught on fire during testing at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The PremiAir Racing driver’s day came to a frightening end when his Camaro caught fire just before 3pm on Wednesday.

The fire was extinguished at pit lane, although not before a reasonable amount of damage was done to at least the bodywork.

Thankfully, Golding was able to get out of the burning car without injury.

Speaking to Speedcafe, he detailed the incident and his escape.

James Golding's PremiAir Racing Camaro after it caught fire during testing at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“I was about to start a flying lap and went into the last corner and there was a bit of a puff and then flames on the inside of the car,” he said.

“I had no real idea what it was. I pressed the extinguisher straight and started slowing down.

“I was going to stop, but thought I better try and get into pit lane closer to more extinguishers. I got there and got out as quick as I could. Luckily I got out safely.

“I got out and there were extinguishers going off, so I couldn’t see how bad the fire was. But there were definitely flames all the way from the entry to the last corner to the pits.”

James Golding had a scare during testing at Sydney Motorsport Park. Picture: Getty Images

Golding was attended to by on-site medics to check for smoke and extinguisher dust inhalation, and while he was uninjured, he admitted it was a hair-raising situation.

“Bit of extinguisher dust, a bit of smoke, although it wasn’t really smoky,” he said.

“But I feel fine. The heart rate was up a fair bit when I was out, though. I don’t think I’ve felt my heart rate that high before.”

The early indications are that it was battery-related, although that is yet to be confirmed by the team.

As for whether the damage is just superficial and the car will be repaired for this weekend’s Sydney 500, Golding said: “I hope so. I’m guessing so but I’m not sure.”

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Originally published as Supercars: James Golding opens up on how he escaped blaze during testing event in Sydney