Rally world mourns loss of Paul Flintoft

It is with deep regret that the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) confirms that a motor sport competitor has died following an incident at the Mount Buller Sprint tarmac rally event held in North-East Victoria, today. 

As a result of the incident, the co-driver of the vehicle, 42 year-old Paul Flintoft from Melbourne, was fatally injured. 

The driver of the car, 22-year-old David Reynolds from Albury NSW, has been airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where he is said to be in a stable condition. 

The event had emergency service personnel positioned on the stage who attended the accident quickly.  The accident occurred at approximately 3:45pm, when the Elfin MS8 Clubman the pair was competing in left the road. 

The cause of the incident is unknown, but there were no other vehicles involved and no one else was injured.  There were 94 cars entered in the event which has been stopped for the day and organisers will decide overnight if it is to continue. 

CAMS has mobilised its chaplaincy and counselling services for the relatives of the deceased and for competitors and officials involved in the event.  CAMS will conduct a full investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

In the meantime, CAMS and event officials are working with the Police and other relevant civil authorities.  CAMS Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graham Fountain, said that the Mount Buller fatality was something that would be felt by the entire Australian motor sport community. 

"First of all, our thoughts and sympathies go to Paul's family and friends," said Mr Fountain.  "It is always a very sad day when any member of the motor sport community is taken from us. 

"The loss of Paul will not only have an effect on our 50,000 members, but also our 11,000 volunteers who work tirelessly at amateur and professional events around the country each weekend. 

"We have to thank our Mount Buller officials for their swift and professional actions and the local authorities who helped get David (Reynolds) medical attention as quickly as possible. 

"Our extensive counselling and support services will be offered to everyone involved to help them though this tragic time." 

CAMS will provide further details on Reynolds' medical condition and Flintoft's funeral arrangements when they become available.

Photo by Neil Blackbourn

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