Media statement – October 12, 2008
UPDATE ON DARREN BERRY’S CONDITION
MINI CHALLENGE driver, Darren Berry, underwent surgery on his broken ankle at Orange Base Hospital this afternoon.
Following on from yesterday’s incident coming down the Mount Panorama course, Berry has spent the night in Orange Hospital.
He is expected to return to his home in Brisbane later this week to continue his recuperation.
Aside from the broken ankle and some stiffness associated with the accident, Berry has shown no other effects of the crash and is in good spirits.
National Manager, MINI – Justin Hocevar – has paid tribute to the safety of the MINI CHALLENGE racecar.
“It’s fantastic news that Darren is progressing so well,†he said. “It was a huge incident, however the fact that Darren has not suffered any more serious injury is testament to the safety built into these MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racecars.
“It also goes to show the implementation of safety precautions such as the Head and Neck Support (HANS) Device by MINI CHALLENGE goes a long way towards keeping our drivers safe in such an incident.
“Everyone involved with MINI CHALLENGE hopes to see Darren back at the racetrack very soon.â€