Gazza Posted September 5, 2004 Posted September 5, 2004 I just got back from Sunday at the Goodwood Revival weekend. Apart from it being the most perfect event imaginable, i had the misfortune to be stood at the exact spot on the outside of Madgwick (the fast double-apex after the start-finish straight) where Westfield supremo Chris Smith smacked at full speed into the tyre wall in a Lotus 18... he seemed to run too deep and wide before turning in and ended up on the grass. It was one of those impacts that makes you look at your mate and go "shiiiiiiiit"! It folded up on his legs at 45degrees, a bit like Sterling's big crash. Chris took off his own helmet, so he was conscious, but it took 1 and 1/2 hours to ease him out of the tangle while the marshals held up sheeting. He was stretchered away. don't yet know the actual extent of his leg injuries. Hopefully he was just trapped by his legs, rather than them being mangled. I've got pics of the Lotus as it was lifted onto the recovery truck. I'll upload in the morning.... its a sobering view of what happens to (very) lightweight spaceframes in a big crash. Quote
Barry Ashcroft Posted September 5, 2004 Posted September 5, 2004 Just a note to please be sensitive about posting comments about this I have always found chris and the rest of his family to be very friendly and polite towards me and would not want to cause upset by silly postings I for one will be calling the factory in the morning to see if chris is ok. Best wishes to him and his family for a speedy recovery. Barry Quote
Martin Keene Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Bad News. Hope he is OK and makes a speedy recovery. A friend was marshalling at Goodwood over the weekend, I'll check see what he knows. Quote
James Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Have just been talking to the factory (needed to spend more money to fuel my adiction! they just told me that chris broke both of his legs and was in surgery last night thats as much as they know Im sure everyone in the club wishes him a speedy recovery Quote
Gazza Posted September 6, 2004 Author Posted September 6, 2004 Thanks for the update. Thats what I'd feared judging by the way the car was folded up in the middle. Here's hoping he has a speedy recovery. Quote
will maskell Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Nice people,here's to a speedy recovery. will Quote
neilwillis Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 I'm sure I speak as every other member of the club does, in wishing Chris a speedy recovery, and sending best wishes to his family, and all the staff at the factory. I don't think for a moment that anyone here would say anything different. Quote
ROC Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Just to add best wishes and a swift recovery. Rich. Quote
Mark Stanton Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 I've spoken to Richard - and he's asked to pass on a thank you from all the family and Westfield Team - to everyone that's called in to wish Chris a speedy recovery and their many kind words. Apologies if he can't return everyones messages, as you will appreciate there are a few matters to sort out and everyone is busy. Chris has sustained two broken legs and various other less major bruises and bumps - he is currently in hospital - an operation has been carried out on one leg - with a further op scheduled to repair his other leg. Speedy recovery and get well soon from all The WSCC members. Will let you know of any updates, as and when Quote
Bronco Jr Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 I know its all been said, but he's a nice bloke and I want to wish him well too. Quote
scott beeland Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Added my best regards too. Just back in from Anglesey and spotted the thread Quote
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