Bathurst Race Stopped After Car Catches Fire, Then Another Crashes

The Bathurst 12 Hour race had to be stopped for a while. First, driver James Golding's car caught fire after hitting a wall. Then, the driver who was in first place, Ralf Aron, crashed into Golding's car. Luckily, both drivers got out safely.
By Newsroom | Motorsport, Australia |

A dramatic incident involving driver James Golding's Audi erupting into flames, followed by a collision with race leader Ralf Aron during a restart, led to the red-flagging of the Bathurst 12 Hour race. The event, which had over three and a half hours remaining, saw both drivers exit their vehicles. Aron was observed climbing over a fence and resting on the grass prior to the subsequent collision.

Fireball horror at Bathurst as James Golding's Audi erupts into flames before race leader Ralf Aron is blindsided in terrifying scenes - 1

Race Stoppage and Driver Exits

The Bathurst 12 Hour race was halted when James Golding's Audi caught fire. Reports indicate that Golding spun his vehicle after getting too wide at a section of the track known as the "Metal Grate" and subsequently impacted the outside wall. The car became airborne before coming to rest. Golding was able to exit the vehicle without injury.

Fireball horror at Bathurst as James Golding's Audi erupts into flames before race leader Ralf Aron is blindsided in terrifying scenes - 2

Moments after Golding's car came to a stop, Ralf Aron, who was leading the race in the #77 Mercedes, approached the scene. Aron stated that he was attempting to overtake a slower car when it braked unexpectedly, leading to contact. Aron also exited his car under his own power and moved to the side of the track.

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Fireball horror at Bathurst as James Golding's Audi erupts into flames before race leader Ralf Aron is blindsided in terrifying scenes - 3

Timeline of Events

  • Pre-Incident: James Golding's Audi was participating in the Bathurst 12 Hour race.

  • Golding's Crash: Golding went wide at the Metal Grate, lost control, spun, and collided with the outside wall. The Audi subsequently caught fire.

  • Red Flag: The race was red-flagged due to the fiery incident.

  • Aron's Collision: Ralf Aron, the race leader, was involved in a collision with Golding's stationary vehicle during a restart or caution period. Aron described being "blindsided" and that the car ahead braked unexpectedly.

  • Driver Safety: Both Golding and Aron were able to exit their vehicles. Aron was seen climbing over a fence to safety. Golding was reportedly transported to a hospital for observation.

Vehicle Incidents and Fireball Spectacle

The visual impact of Golding's Audi erupting into flames was a significant element of the incident. The vehicle spun and hit the wall, leading to the conflagration. Reports suggest the car became airborne prior to its final resting place at John Hinxman Vista. This event effectively ended Team BRM's participation in the race with their Audi.

Fireball horror at Bathurst as James Golding's Audi erupts into flames before race leader Ralf Aron is blindsided in terrifying scenes - 4

Restart Collision Dynamics

The collision involving race leader Ralf Aron occurred shortly after the initial incident. Aron's account suggests a sudden braking action by another car contributed to his inability to avoid Golding's damaged vehicle. The precise circumstances of Aron's approach to Golding's car, particularly whether he was adequately warned of the hazard, are points for examination. Aron stated, "You could see when he dropped into Reid Park he was a little bit wide and you can not get it back."

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Prior Incidents and Driver History

This event is not the first significant incident for James Golding at Bathurst. Records indicate previous major impacts at the circuit in 2016 and a controversy in 2025 at the Bathurst 1000 involving a late move that resulted in a penalty. In 2016, Golding experienced a substantial crash at Reid Park during practice, and earlier that year, a tyre deflation led to another crash at Sandown. Another driver, Stephen Grove, was also hospitalized following an airborne crash at the Bathurst 12 Hour in the past.

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Observations and Reactions

  • Team Owner Reaction: Marc Rosser, owner of Team BRM, was seen reacting somberly to the incident involving Golding's car.

  • Driver Condition: James Golding was reported to be unhurt. Ralf Aron also exited his car under his own power. Aron was later taken to a hospital for observation.

  • Race Impact: The red flag significantly altered the race's duration, effectively turning a 12-hour event into a shorter contest.

Conclusion and Forward Examination

The Bathurst 12 Hour race was suspended due to a substantial incident involving James Golding's Audi catching fire after a collision with the wall. The situation was further complicated by Ralf Aron, the race leader, subsequently colliding with Golding's disabled vehicle. Both drivers were able to exit their cars. Golding sustained no injuries, while Aron was transported for observation. Investigations into the exact sequence of events, including the circumstances leading to Aron's collision, will be pertinent. The event highlights the inherent risks associated with motorsport, particularly at challenging circuits like Bathurst.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the Bathurst 12 Hour race?
James Golding's car caught fire after hitting a wall. Then, Ralf Aron, who was leading, crashed into Golding's car.
Q: Were the drivers hurt?
No, both James Golding and Ralf Aron were able to get out of their cars safely.
Q: Why was the race stopped?
The race was stopped because James Golding's car caught fire and then Ralf Aron crashed into it. This made it unsafe to continue racing.