A Racing Driver's Account Of Brake Failure At 100mph And Jumping The Crash Barrier

This is the moment when TeamHARD VW Cup racing driver Kieran Gallagher lost his front brakes at 100mph and crashed into the safety barrier at Oulton Park last weekend. He was in his new, 250bhp Golf at the time and was trying to make up positions on the grid because of earlier boost problems that saw the team slip to 21st.

After seeing the crash, we contacted Gallagher to see if he'd give us a first-hand account of the high-speed crash, which he miraculously walked away from. Here's his account:

How was the race weekend progressing?

"We already had a rough weekend with the car being down on power because of boost issues, but we were pushing hard. Race one ended shortly after the start due to a teammate of mine being collected and hit by three other cars. He had to be cut out the car, which was is the most horrific thing I've ever witnessed."

What caused the 100mph crash in Race two?

"Race two got under way and after starting in 21st, we had a lot of time to make up. I went for a lunge on the car infront into Shell Oils hairpin.

"Unfortunately, a brake pipe had split, which left me with rear brakes only. Being full chat in fifth gear meant I took a lot of speed into the wall, which my car then battered and crashed over. I came to rest 40 feet down an embankment."

What was going through your head during and after the crash?

"The thoughts that were going through my head at the time were, 'Oh s**t, I'm going in the gravel.' Then when I hit the gravel and realised the car wasn't slowing, it was a life flashing before my eyes kind of feeling. I hit the barrier at a massive rate, then I closed my eyes as I was in a lot of pain. A few seconds later I felt the second impact on landing, which felt like someone had hit me with a sledge hammer.

"When I realised that I was 40 feet down an embankment on the other side of the barrier, the car started to smoke badly so I pulled the extinguisher out, freed myself from my race harness, crawled out of the car and came to a halt face down in the dirt."

How are you feeling now?

"Walking is a struggle because I've got a badly bruised back and a few cracked ribs, but I'll be back in the car the second it's rebuilt."

What's become of the car?

"The car is potentially a write-off, so I'm expecting a £15-20k damage bill. Before that, though, we need to establish how and why the brake pipe tried to kill me."

Kieran, we're glad you go out of this smash almost unscathed! We look forward to seeing you back in the car soon, this time with a decent set of brake pipes...

To follow Kieran's progress check out his website and Facebook page.