Power series spectators at Killarney were witness to several crashes throughout the event, but one of the most notable spills of the day happened during the first few turns of the Bridgestone STC race.
A dramatic incident unfolded during Round 5 of the Power Series on Saturday, May 27, as a crash involving eight riders brought the Bridgestone STC 650/SSP300 race to a sudden halt. This unfortunate event resulted in the cancellation of Race 1 across all three motorcycle categories, adding an unexpected twist to the day’s Superbike action.
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The race began with Nicholas Hutchings (HSC SV650) taking an early lead, closely followed by Ryan Coetzee (Project Sixty SA ER6), Jamie Hall (MGA Racing ER650), Franco Flach (Kawasaki ER6), and Zante Otto (Missile Motorcycles SV650).
However, on lap three, Hutchings’ HSC superbike experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure. A con-rod in his bike broke, causing oil to spill onto his rear tire and the track surface just as he approached Quarry Corner of Killarney.
In a split second, Hutchings lost control of his bike, resulting in a chain reaction that involved the following seven riders. The severity of the incident prompted race officials to immediately display the red flags, signalling the suspension of the race. With a significant portion of the field affected by the crash, the decision was made to cancel Race 1 in all motorcycle categories. This allowed ample time for track marshals to recover the damaged motorcycles and thoroughly clean the track.
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Despite the alarming spectacle witnessed by both on-site spectators and those watching the live stream, the injuries sustained by the riders were relatively minor.
Zante Otto suffered a fractured ankle, while Franco Flach sustained a broken collarbone. The unexpected crash served as a reminder of the risks involved in high-speed racing. However, the courage and determination exhibited by the injured riders, along with the swift response from the race officials and marshals, ensured that safety remained a top priority.
