Pappas Sustains Fractures; Black Swan Porsche Withdrawn

Photo: John Dagys

Tim Pappas has sustained multiple fractures following a high-speed crash in practice for Sunday’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

The Black Swan Racing team owner/driver lost control of the No. 540 Porsche 911 GT3 R exiting The Chase, with the car making heavy contract with the barriers, resulting in extensive rear-end damage and a brief fire.

While initially transported to a local hospital, Pappas was airlifted to a Sydney hospital for precautionary checks after complaining of back pain.

It was later confirmed from Porsche that Pappas sustained a fractured right arm and pelvis and will be kept for observation overnight, where he is currently in stable condition. 

The American team has since withdrawn the car from the event due to extent of damage to the car.

Pappas was due to share the GT3 Pro-Am class entry with Marc Lieb and Jeroen Bleekemolen, who teamed together for class honors and an overall podium finish in last year’s race.

“When a car has an off at Bathurst it’s usually big,” Bleekemolen told Sportscar365.

“I’m just happy Tim got out sort of OK. That’s the first thing you think of, not damage to the car. The main thing is that he’s OK. 

“I’ve been racing with him for ten years and he’s been through a lot, but never anything like this. It’s always a scare and hopefully we’ll be back on track soon.”

Black Swan has planned a dual-season IGTC and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup program with Porsche GT3 machinery.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John