James Courtney injured in freak accident, Jack Perkins could replace

James Courtney has been injured in a freak accident at Sydney Motorsport Park where he was struck by falling pit equipment during a helicopter show. The Holden Racing Team driver has been hospitalised and endurance co-driver Jack Perkins could be forced to stand in this weekend.

“The Navy helicopter was hovering over pit lane and he (the helicopter pilot) has probably come too close and created a draft and a bit of a swell and everything,” said Adrian Burgess, Walkinshaw Racing Managing Director.

“A piece of debris has come across at him and he (James Courtney) put his arm up to cover his face as a natural reaction and it’s hit has rib cage quite hard. His ribs are fine but his lungs are… , we are not quite sure about the condition of his lungs. He’s stable, he’s not going to die on us but there is a bit of damage there. Obviously we need to make sure we do the right thing by him.”

Perkins took over for Courtney in the second practice session, finishing 20th overall, and could be forced to drive for the remainder of the weekend.

”We’re probably a little bit behind the eight-ball if I’m to race, but we’ll do the best we can. Hopefully James can do it. He’s still fifth in points and you obviously can’t drop your worst round. If I do drive then the only positive is that it gives me a lot more miles before the enduros,” said Perkins to speedcafe.com.