Habul Ruled Out; SunEnergy1 to Race With Replacement Chassis

Photo: Patrick Hecq/SRO

Kenny Habul has been ruled out of competing in this weekend’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa following a major accident in Pre-Qualifying that resulted in chassis damage to SunEnergy1 Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

The HRT-run operation, however, intends to still be on the grid but with a replacement driver and chassis.

Habul’s car was left up against the left-hand wall at Raidillon in Thursday’s one-hour session, which ended under a red flag due to the incident.

The U.S.-based Australian was taken to a local hospital for x-rays and CT scans and will not be participating in the weekend’s Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli enduro.

According to a team statement, a new Bronze-rated driver is being sourced so it can continue in the Pro-Am class, while Habul provided directions from his hospital bed to order a replacement chassis.

The yet-to-be-finalized driver will share the newly-prepared Mercedes with Australian Supercars ace Chaz Mostert, recent 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE-Am class winner Nicky Catsburg and Austrian Bronze driver Martin Konrad.

“To say it has been a tough day would be an understatement,” said Habul, who currently leads the overall IGTC drivers’ standings. “I am still working through the extent of my injury situation and that could take a few days.

“I have obviously not had a chance to look at the data, but the car didn’t feel right for any of us all session and unfortunately we paid the price.

“While I am extremely disappointed that I will not be driving this weekend, it was important for Chaz, Nicky and Marty to have a shot at winning the race.

“When we became aware that a replacement car was available, there was no question that we needed to have a crack at being in the race.

“I have to thank all my team for their efforts in turning things around so quickly and for committing straight up for the workload that they will face in the next three days.

“Things were made a little easier having my family on the ground around me at this race.”

Mostert, who is making his 24H Spa debut, added: “At the end of the day, the first thing we have to be thankful for is that Kenny survived such a high-speed accident.

“He is still unsure of the final extent of his injuries, but hopefully we will see him back in a car sooner rather than later.

“The nature of the bloke, saw him more concerned about me, Nicky and Marty missing out on a drive this weekend.

“As soon as it was confirmed there was another car available he pushed the button. If that is not an indication of the guy’s commitment to the sport and his team then I don’t know what is.

“We never ever needed extra motivation for a big result this weekend, but we certainly have some now.”

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