Gracie: "I didn't see our day going this way"

Harvey Norman Supergirl Renee Gracie says she had no chance of avoiding the wall at Forrest's Elbow after being the first car to encounter oil left by the blown engine of David Wall's Volvo.

Gracie started from pitlane to avoid any potential opening carnage, but crashed into the barrier on lap 15, causing serious damage to the front corner of the Ford Falcon FG X wildcard entry she is sharing with Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro.

The car is under repair in the garage as the team strives to return to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 action. It must be out by lap 55 to be classified.

"I saw the flags, to be honest I thought it was radiator fluid because it was shiny and sometimes you think that is water," Gracie said after stepping from the Falcon and having a short time to compose herself.

"Because the oil was in the middle of the track I tried t put my two wheels in the middle of it and I couldn't go left or right because there is no room over there.

"I slowed right down and tried to cross but unfortunately it just took me into the wall. It didn't feel that bit but it was a big impact."

Gracie said she had played many scenarios through her mind about how she would go in the race, but had never anticipated being taken out by oil on the track.

"It's one of those things that is really tough and I didn't see our day going this way. We were going really good with our strategy and we thought we were one step ahead and unfortunately we are probably 30 laps down and well behind the game."

Gracie said she and De Silvestro would treat the rest of the day as an extended test session, as they are already signed to return for a second crack at the 1000 next year.

"This is exactly why we have done a two-year deal, now Simona and I can practice.

"We still have lots of tyres so we will able to practice, practice, practice."