Skyline shunts headline first four hours

Porsche's LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour hopes hinge on the Manthey EMA car after Grove Racing’s early exit.

The #4 Porsche’s day came to an early end after a crash at Brock’s Skyline in the second hour of the race.

Replays showed Stephen Grove hitting both walls before coming to rest at the crest of Skyline.

The #4 was out on the spot, with the incident triggering the first Safety Car of the race.

Midway through the fourth hour, Skyline was again the scene of a fast crash, this time for the #44 Valmont Mercedes-AMG.

Aaron Cameron collided with Theo Koundouris (#47 Audi) and crashed rearwards into the wall at the Dipper.

Cameron was also out on the spot, while Koundouris managed to return to pit lane.

The #222 Mercedes-AMG, with Alex Davison behind the wheel, was directly behind the #4 in the first incident.

Grove and Davison were battling for 13th overall and fifth in Pro-Am.

Speaking after the crash, Brenton Grove said: “I think he got hit by Davison, that’s all we can see at the moment.

“There’s big penalties for Pros hitting Ams, especially around the top.

“So if that’s what happened I hope it gets dealt with properly.”

Davison later told multiple media outlets that there had been no contact with the Porsche.

Regardless, the incident was placed under investigation by the stewards, and no further action was taken.

Later, as the leaders clocked their 90th laps, Cameron was seen with major damage to the Valmont AMG.

“I think he came in too hot and hit my rear,” Koundouris said.

“Not much fun at all… he’s come over too hot and couldn’t pull it up, and pile-drived me."

The #44 Mercedes-AMG was the third car forced out of the race in the opening third.

The #75 Pro Audi was retired following a clash with the #44 Valmont Mercedes-AMG.

Christopher Haase was sent into the Griffin’s Bend barriers by Duvashen Padayachee.

Haase was able to return to the lane, but Audi Sport Team MPC opted to retire the car.

Inspections revealed the car had suffered terminal rear damage.