V8 Supercar legend Craig Lowndes is likely to lose his four-Leg lead in the Australasian Safari today, after tipping the Holden Colorado on its side during a maneuver around a tree on the course on the first stage of the day, one of many obstacles in today’s challenging race.
Lowndes and navigator John Panozzo had a convincing 20-minute lead over next fastest driver Steve Riley and John Doble in the Mitsubishi Pajero until the incident.
Reports from the field indicate they got the vehicle back on four wheels but had to be towed to the finish of the stage by competitors Murray Young and Paul McBean in Car 127.
Today is a Marathon Day, which means that no vehicle servicing is allowed by support crews. Any repairs to vehicles must be done by the competitors themselves with the tools they carry with them. This would have been a huge test for Lowndes and Panozzo, who both have solid mechanical knowledge.
Major penalties are allocated if competitors receive assistance from support crew.
Stages 10 and 11 that make up Safari today demand the competitors’ full attention. Trees have to be navigated around the track that started off fast before tightening as it twisted and turned its way around a huge salt lake. Caution is key to staying in the race.
Meanwhile yesterday’s moto Leg winner and today’s first stage winner Shane Diener had mechanical failure during the second stage today, Stage 11, which will see him out of contention today.
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