andyt81
5th June 2010, 19:51
The glamorous series, intended for well-heeled privateer 'gentlemen drivers', is now in its second year and uses a race-prepped 570hp version of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, called the Super Trofeo.
But a horrific crash involving driver Giorgio Bartocci has so shocked organisers they've decided to pull the plug and cancel the remaining three races in the series.
Bartocci's car spun, hit the pit wall and burst into flames at the Czech circuit but concern has been expressed at the apparent failure of some of the Gallardo SuperTrofeo's safety systems.
Bartocci was partially flung from the car as it disintegrated around him, suggesting the harnesses and safety cage didn't protect him as they should have. He's now in intensive car, described as being in a "stable" condition.
The blaze that engulfed the Gallardo is also worrying, given the fuel cells and other safety gear modern race cars carry intended to prevent such fires. Bartocci was pulled from the car by fellow racers who jumped over the pitwall to rescue him.
the crash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H-2y4yq8QE&feature=related)
after the crash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAgFK5M2PRM&feature=related)
But a horrific crash involving driver Giorgio Bartocci has so shocked organisers they've decided to pull the plug and cancel the remaining three races in the series.
Bartocci's car spun, hit the pit wall and burst into flames at the Czech circuit but concern has been expressed at the apparent failure of some of the Gallardo SuperTrofeo's safety systems.
Bartocci was partially flung from the car as it disintegrated around him, suggesting the harnesses and safety cage didn't protect him as they should have. He's now in intensive car, described as being in a "stable" condition.
The blaze that engulfed the Gallardo is also worrying, given the fuel cells and other safety gear modern race cars carry intended to prevent such fires. Bartocci was pulled from the car by fellow racers who jumped over the pitwall to rescue him.
the crash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H-2y4yq8QE&feature=related)
after the crash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAgFK5M2PRM&feature=related)