Abandoned Sprint deemed success

Organisers of the Bunbury Targa Sprint have hailed it a success, despite the competition being stopped early after a serious crash cut power to suburbs across Bunbury.

Driver Mark Greenham and co-driver Steph Esterbauer crashed their 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII into two power poles on Halifax Drive during their first lap of stage two of the event.

The incident cut power to houses in the suburbs of Bunbury, Carey Park, Davenport and Glen Iris.

Greenham was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg and back injuries, while Esterbauer walked away from the crash.

Organisers of the event immediately called off the rest of the competition, citing safety as their primary focus.

Targa Bunbury Sprint event director Ross Tapper said the event was then called off to make sure Western Power could work safely.

Tapper said despite the premature ending to the competition, the response from drivers and supporters had been positive.

“From all accounts the number of people at spectator points was absolutely huge,” he said.

“Unfortunately it came to a sudden end with the accident. If it was an accident with no other damage we would have carried on.”

Tapper said organisers planned to hold the event again: “Our plan is to run it as an annual event,” he said. “If we get approval to close the roads and run the event, we will definitely be running again.”

Earlier in the day, West Coast Eagles champion Troy Wilson gave spectators a thrill, leading the pack with four scintillating runs. Wilson and co-driver won the Tarmac 4WD over 3500cc class with a time of 10.05.23.

Bunbury driver Will White and co-driver Matthew Thompson won the Tarmac 4WD up to 3500cc class with a time of 10.06.13, with Bill and Glenys Stagoll finishing third.

Simon Gunson and Murray Armenti won the Tarmac 2WD over 2000cc division, while Geoff Leatt-Hayter and Paul Helm wom the Tarmac 2WD up to 2000cc.

Pictures from the event