The V8 Supercar Season has kicked off in Adelaide for the Clipsall 500. It has been a fairly eventful weekend with crashes in all races, the most focus being on Fujitsu Series Driver Ashley Cooper. The crash he was singularly involved in saw him treated on track by paramedics with an Emergency Tracheotomy followed by being rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he is now on Life Support.

Thoughts are with his family who are by his side.

Ashley is an Ulladulla family man. Perhaps his residing so close to where I grew up has brought my attention to him in the depth that it has. My feelings are that no matter who has been injured & wherever they reside, my thoughts are always with them & their respectful families. I know the anxious feeling I have right now of hoping for good news any minute is that of when our annual pilgrimage to Mt Panorama was saddened with the passing of Mark Porter after his accident on Friday 6th October 2006. Mark ended hisfight & sadly departed on Sunday, 8th October 2006.

I remember Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday morning was spent with SK , Duff & myself searching news on our mobile phones for updates at our campsite. It was a sombre feeling trudging to trackside knowing someones life hung in the balance for the sport we were there cheering on & supporting. I cannot explain the emotions we dealt with. I feel them all over again.

This motorsport has a huge following. We all agree that Holden vs Ford rivalry is strong & enjoyable, as most banter is harmelss fun. However knowing that the drivers risk their lives everytime they get behind the wheel makes us all respect each & every one of them. No matter which team they drive for, or which badge they shine.

Please pull through Ashley. Your Family, Friends & Fans need you. Godspeed.

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