Western Australian V8 Supercar driver Karl Reindler’s car exploded in flames after he stalled at the start of race two and was struck at high speed by Steve Owen’s $600,000 Commodore. Reindler managed to squeeze clear of his blazing car, which was totally destroyed. Initial indications are the explosion was caused when Owen’s car punctured the fuel cell of Reindler’s vehicle.
Reindler scrambled out of his burning car and watched the destruction. The inferno was so hot that Reindler’s race suit made of three layers of fireproof material had the part of the safety harness melt on to the suit’s outside layer but it did not lose its integrity and saved Karl from further injury. He was taken to hospital with superficial burns to his hands and face.
Owen said he simply did not see Reindler’s stalled car before crashing into it, as he was unsighted by other cars ahead of him trying to get out of the way. The front of Owen’s Holden was also badly burned in the crash and following inferno, but he walked away without any visible injuries.
Reindler discharged from hospital last Monday, paid tribute to medical staff, his own pit crew and the pit crews of Kelly Racing and the Holden Racing Team, who helped extinguish the fire.