Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain front-runner Jack Barlow was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital yesterday (9 April) following a frightening high-speed accident during official TOCA testing at Thruxton.
The 18 year old’s Jamun Racing EcoBoost Mygale left the road at Goodwood, one of the fastest corners on the circuit, dug into the soft ground and rolled.
The car landed upside down, with Barlow trapped in the car with a helmet full of earth after the impact ripped the visor off his helmet, before the rescue team quickly turned the wreckage over, allowing him to pull himself out the car.
Despite being conscious throughout and showing no immediate cause for alarm, Barlow was airlifted to hospital and scans there revealed he has cracked a vertebra in his back and suffered a cut leg, with doctors saying he was “very, very lucky” to come away without more injury.
“I’ve got to see a spinal consultant and stay here until Friday,” said Barlow. “I’d like to thank the paramedics who looked after me immediately after my accident and the air ambulance crew, who were brilliant also. The trauma team here at Southampton General have really looked after me and say that I was very, very lucky.”
Despite the injuries, Barlow is confident he and his car will be fighting fit ahead of the second meeting of the season at Donington Park next weekend (19/20 April)
“So far, the early indications are that I’ve got a good chance of being on the grid at Donington,” he added.
“I’m gutted for the guys and feel really bad about the car. I’ve pretty-much torn all four corners off it, but I know they’ll do a terrific job of getting it ready for Donington. All I want to do is get back in but will just have to wait and see what the medical experts say first.”
