Grove to undergo further tests after Bathurst crash

STEPHEN Grove is “in good spirits” despite scans revealing back damage following his major crash at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

The veteran racer was running eighth outright during the third hour of Sunday’s race when he collided with fellow Mercedes-AMG driver Kenny Habul.

Heavy contact with the wall sent the Grove Racing Mercedes airborne, with the car righting and landing on its wheels on the run to The Dipper.

Grove appeared winded after the crash, but climbed out of his car under his own steam.

The Supercars and GT racing team owner was then taken to the trackside medical centre, before being driven to Orange Hospital for further assessments.

In a statement, the team confirmed Grove had sustained back damage, with subsequent tests and consultation with Westmead Hospital to confirm the full extent of the injury.

The Grove Racing statement reads:

After an incident with another competitor earlier this morning, Stephen has been taken to Orange Hospital to undergo further scans.

Initial tests have revealed damage to his back, however until subsequent tests and consultation with Westmead Hospital in Sydney has taken place we’re unsure of the full extent of his injury.

We want to thank all of our fans and loyal supporters for the outpouring of love the team has received.

Steve is in good spirits and looks forward to getting back to the track again.

It was Grove’s third major Bathurst 12 Hour crash in four years, each incident coming at the same part of the circuit.

Habul expressed remorse over the incident, claiming he thought Grove was letting him through, and that he was “disappointed” for the Mercedes team.