Baptism of Fire For Frosty

Frostys car lights up in flames

t took just seconds for Ford Performance Racing's Bathurst race to go from calm to catastrophe today as Mark Winterbottom and Steve Richards' hopes of winning at The Mountain went up in flames.

The Castrol Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon had been running comfortably in second for one third of the 1000km marathon and Frosty, who was driving the second stint, was only concerned about conserving tyres.

That changed in a matter of half a lap, however, when a spare battery came loose in the boot, dislodging the fuel pipe and starting a fire.

"I've never been on fire before; I didn't know what to do," said Frosty. "It's pretty scary to know it could have gone off and I'm lucky I'd been practicing my pit stops to get out quick!"

Pit crew were on stand-by but Frosty could only make it half-way down pit lane, where Paul Morris' crew ran to his aid and fire marshals dealt with the blaze.

"This would have been our best chance in the last four years to win but we're going home," said Frosty. "That's what Bathurst is. There are a lot of emotions, lots of ups and downs. We'll come back in 12 months time and try and do it again."

Richo, who started the race by snatching the lead from third on the grid, could only stand and watch.

"What do you do? There's not much!" he said. "You can't shrug it off; the whole build-up to this race is massive for everyone. It's like having your balloon to bursting point and then someone coming along and untying the valve."

Dean Canto and Luke Youlden are currently running 12th in the Orrcon Steel Castrol FPR Falcon. More news to follow.