Car parts flew in all directions after defending champions Jeff Panton and Mike Fennell Jr crashed on the Sagicor Kendal Stage of the Sol Barbados Rally 2019 today.
Co-driver Fennell Jr was unhurt but Panton complained of back pains. He was examined by paramedics on the scene and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for observation.
The incident occurred on the first stage of the third and final day of the rally at Kendal, St John, in a chicane in the area of Guinea Plantation before noon.
Trevor Thorpe, The Nation’s writer at the rally, said Panton had “a little too much wood in the fire” and lost it while he was trying to catch race leaders Dane Skeete and Tyler Mayhew of Barbados.
The Jamaican pair had won the last three titles and also have a fourth when it was tagged the International All Stages Rally.
Meanwhile, Skeete is following in the footsteps of his father Roger “The Sheriff” Skeete, hoping to bring the crown back to Barbados.
Thorpe said thousands are watching the rally which is currently on lunch break. There are seven more stages to go. (TT/SAT)