Gilmour eyes speedy recovery
Emma Gilmour is recovering from a high-speed crash in Italy after she sent her McLaren into a terrifying tumble in a practice session for the Extreme E series.
The New Zealander, pictured, spent a night in hospital after suffering concussion and a fractured rib in the incident ahead of the Island X Prix in Sardinia, which took place on September 16 and 17.
After being discharged from Cagliari hospital, Gilmour posted on social media that she was “still stiff and sore… but so happy to be back with the team”.
“Thanks so much for all the messages, texts, comments – I really appreciate them – I’m all in for a speedy recovery,” she adds.
Gilmour, who is dealer principal and manager of Gilmour Motors Suzuki in Dunedin, made history last year when she became the first woman to podium for the McLaren Racing team.
The three-time New Zealand Rally Championship runner-up represents McLaren in the Extreme E series, an international championship featuring all-electric SUVs racing off-road.
Her crash in Sardinia happened as she was coming to the end of her second and final lap in the opening practice session of the weekend.
Gilmour was conscious throughout the high-speed roll and immediately radioed back to the team, reports Racer.com.
“She was taken to the on-site medical centre before subsequently transferring to Cagliari hospital, where she will remain overnight under observation,” it adds.
The accident has also forced Gilmour to withdraw from the Daybreaker Rally Manawatu, which is being held on September 23 and 24.
She was set to pair up with co-driver Nicole Summerfield for the all-female duo’s first full event after they had a successful debut together in the Catlins Rallysprint last month, winning the short event.
“This change of plans is disappointing as I was really looking forward to rallying back in New Zealand and especially at this Manawatu event, which was last held eight years ago,” Gilmour explains.
“I’m gutted not to be able to do the Daybreaker Rally with Nicole and the Paddon Rallysport team. However, I’ll take this time out to focus on letting my body heal and we will be back for the final NEw Zealand Rally Championship round at the Bay of Plenty on October 15, when I’m fully fit again.”
