Motorsport: Coulthard 'relaxed' after monster crash

Fabian Coulthard's Commodore following his spectacular 290km/h crash at the Chase during lap one of the Bathurst 1000. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - New Zealand motor racing driver Fabian Coulthard emerged from his terrifying opening lap crash at Bathurst in one piece physically, and insists he'd pass a mental warrant of fitness ahead of this weekend's Gold Coast 600.

Coulthard was involved in one of the most spectacular demolition jobs ever witnessed at Australia's Great Race on October 10 when he lost control of his Holden Commodore when hurtling through The Chase at more than 290km/h.

When he finally emerged from the remains of his car there were gasps of amazement from the stands, though for the 28-year-old it was just an occupational hazard.

"I've been doing this from such a young age, I started go-karting when I was six years of age. Crashes are inevitable, they do happen and sometimes they're bigger than others," he said when asked if he was reticent about lining up in the V8 Supercars third test of endurance.

"It's probably going to be hard getting back in for the first couple of laps but I am a race car driver and that's what I do so I'll get on with the job.

"I've lived to tell the tale and it is one of those things that I am sure is going to be spoken about for a long time to come," he said.

"I think the fact that the accident wasn't my fault makes the whole process a little bit easier because I am not spending my time worrying about putting myself in that position again."

His Commodore is beyond repair for Surfers Paradise so we will drive Bundaberg Red Racing's spare car in tandem with David Reynolds.

Coulthard said the inclusion of international drivers - including New Zealand's Scott Dixon - and modifications to the street circuit should prompt an exciting 300km races on Saturday and on Sunday.

"It will definitely mix things up a bit and it will make the event more of a V8 Supercar event rather than being renowned for as an IndyCar event," he said.

- NZPA