AmD Tuning’s Mike Bushell will not participate in Sunday’s British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) races at Thruxton, having been involved in an accident during qualifying on Saturday in which he sustained severe ligament injuries.
Bushell collided with Handy Motorsport’s Simon Belcher exiting the pitlane during qualifying, with both drivers crashing heavily against the Armco barrier on the exit of the circuit.
Such was the heavy nature of the impact for Bushell that he was forced to exit his Ford Focus via the passenger door. Qualifying was immediately red-flagged for some time, as repairs to the barriers were required.
Bushell was taken first to the circuit medical centre for checks before going to hospital in Southampton, where he was diagnosed with severe ligament damage. Bushell was released from hospital late yesterday evening.
“The most important thing is that Mike has escaped more serious injury as a result of the accident,” said Team Principal Shaun Hollamby. “While it’s a disappointing way for our weekend to finish, I’d like to put on record my thanks to the marshals and medical teams who were on hand for their fantastic response to the incident.
“As is always the case, they did a brilliant job in dealing with the situation.”
Neither Bushell nor Belcher will take any further part in the meeting, with Belcher’s Toyota Avensis too heavily damaged in the incident.