BATHURST, Australia (February 1, 2019) – Following a heavy practice accident that has left Black Swan Racing’s No. 540 Porsche 911 GT3 R beyond repair for Sunday’s Bathurst 12 Hour, the team will withdraw from competition. As a defending class winner following last year’s surprise victory, driver Tim Pappas suffered severe contact at an ominous corner known as The Chase during second practice. 

“Of course it’s a difficult way to end the weekend,” stated Pappas. “After last year’s victory we came in very confident on the weekend, but ultimately I’m fortunate that the accident wasn’t worse than it was. Thanks to all the guys as well as Porsche Motorsport for putting together a safe car, the injuries could have been more severe. We’ll regroup and see what the next steps are.”

This will serve as the team’s second incident within a week, having suffered heavy contact in rain conditions during last weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, heavily damaging the team’s second Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Future plans for the team will be announced at a later date.