Starting as the first car on the road, Stratford went off at high speed in his Toyota Corolla on the second stage of the rally, with the car rolling end-for-end multiple times.

The zero car had also had a scary moment at the same corner just minutes before.

The second stage of the rally was immediately stopped as medical intervention (MIV) crews and rescue teams attended the crash scene.

Both crew members were air lifted by helicopter to hospital in Melbourne; Stratford to the Royal Melbourne, and Manning to the Alfred Hospital.

“Kain had his surgery last night for a broken T11. He is in good spirits and should regain full movement,” Stratford told RallySport Magazine this afternoon.

“He also had a swollen spinal cord, which is why he lost the feeling in his legs after the crash.

“I’m still waiting to see if I need surgery. They’ve still got me fasting and in the neck brace.

“I have a broken L1 and L2 and possibly a neck fracture, so am still awaiting results on that before they can do a proper upright x-ray on my back to rule out surgery.”

Stratford praised the medical crews, CFA, SES and all others who attended the crash scene.

In particularly, he praised the crew of Jamie Pohlner and Adam Brandford who were the first crew on the scene after the accident.

“They were absolutely incredible. A big thank you to them,” he added.

He also stressed that the car’s safety equipment did everything it was meant to do in the accident.

“I would like to remind people why we use all the correct safety procedures when building our cars, especially seat mounts.

“I’ve seen too many cars lately with seat mounts that would not survive that crash.”

RallySport Magazine wishes them all the best for a fast and full recovery.

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Peter Whitten

Peter has been the editor of RallySport Magazine since its inception in 1989, in both printed and online form. He is a long-time competitor, event organiser and official, as well as working in the media. In 2020 he received a Motorsport Australia 'Media Service Award'.
Peter has been the editor of RallySport Magazine since its inception in 1989, in both printed and online form. He is a long-time competitor, event organiser and official, as well as working in the media. In 2020 he received a Motorsport Australia 'Media Service Award'.

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