Bathurst 12-Hour Practice Halted After Major Crash Involving Keith Kassulke, as Valentino Rossi Impresses on His First Day at Mount Panorama
The 2024 Bathurst 12-Hour race kicked off with high drama on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit, as a major crash during practice brought the session to an abrupt halt. Australian driver Keith Kassulke, who was participating in the prestigious endurance event, was involved in a heavy accident that required immediate attention from medical personnel and race officials. Meanwhile, the weekend also saw MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi turn heads with a stunning performance on his debut in the event.
Keith Kassulke Involved in Major Crash
The Bathurst 12-Hour is known for its unpredictable conditions and the high stakes associated with racing on one of the most challenging circuits in the world. During practice on Thursday, Kassulke, driving for his team in the highly competitive GT3 category, found himself in a frightening situation.
Reports indicate that Kassulke lost control of his car at the notorious Skyline corner, a high-speed, downhill section of the track. The car went off the track, impacting the barriers with significant force. Fortunately, the safety measures at Mount Panorama were quickly put into place, and the driver was extricated from the wreckage by the medical crew.
Despite the frightening crash, Kassulke was conscious and alert when taken to the medical center, where he was later reported to be in stable condition. The incident led to a red flag, halting the practice session for over an hour as the wreckage was cleared and the track inspected for any potential hazards. This interruption added extra tension to what was already a high-pressure weekend for teams and drivers looking to get their cars dialed in ahead of the 12-hour race.
Valentino Rossi Turns Heads on His Bathurst Debut
While the incident involving Kassulke brought a temporary pause to proceedings, the attention quickly turned to one of the most exciting debuts in Bathurst history. Valentino Rossi, one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time, made his first appearance at the Mount Panorama circuit in a four-wheeled racing car, and his performance was nothing short of sensational.
Rossi, who is now competing in endurance racing after retiring from MotoGP, is participating in the Bathurst 12-Hour as part of an experienced driver line-up. Despite the massive transition from two wheels to four, Rossi showed his racing pedigree from the outset. The Italian star, famous for his fearless riding and tactical mind in MotoGP, seemed to have transferred that skill set seamlessly to the world of GT racing.
On his first day at Mount Panorama, Rossi impressed both fans and fellow drivers with his speed, consistency, and composure. His performance during practice saw him immediately competitive, and he was consistently within striking distance of the top times. Fans who flocked to the circuit were delighted to see Rossi’s trademark flair behind the wheel of a GT3 car. Although it was his first time at Bathurst, Rossi’s racecraft and attention to detail were evident, and he quickly adapted to the track’s challenging layout.
The Bathurst 12-Hour is known for its grueling format, which demands a mix of raw speed, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage the mental and physical toll over 12 hours of racing. Rossi’s early showing suggests that he could be a dark horse contender in the event, a prospect that has generated immense excitement among fans and pundits alike.
A Look Ahead to the Weekend’s Race
With practice sessions over and the field set for qualifying and the race itself, the stage is now set for an action-packed Bathurst 12-Hour. The race is widely considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world, drawing top-tier drivers and teams from all over the globe.
Rossi’s stunning debut and Kassulke’s crash are just two of the many stories expected to unfold over the weekend. The event promises high-speed action, drama, and the unpredictable nature of Mount Panorama, making the Bathurst 12-Hour a must-watch event for motorsport fans.
As the race gets underway, all eyes will be on Rossi to see if his MotoGP experience translates into success in the world of GT racing. Meanwhile, drivers like Kassulke, who will no doubt recover from his crash and return to the action, will be looking to overcome adversity and continue their pursuit of victory in one of the most prestigious events in the motorsport calendar.
With such an exciting start to the event, the 2024 Bathurst 12-Hour looks set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the history of Australian motorsport.
