The challenging interviews

There are many exceptional parts of my job that are exciting, fast, adrenalin pumping and full of fun. But then there are those interviews - like at the last event, the Wilson Security Sandown 500 -that are a lot tougher.

There are times in pit lane I find myself amidst mass panic, shouting and complete chaos, when things could literally turn dangerous in a matter of seconds.

And then other times when I find myself standing outside the medical centrewaiting to hearwhether a driver - a workcolleague, a friend -is ok.

These timesare where the bubble bursts and the 'unreal' television pictures become very real. These boys are not untouchable and they are notinvincible. Motorsport is dangerous and part of my job is to bring you the story and sometimes, I will admit,it'shard when they are my mates.

I want to be honest with you - I have three different things going through my head in these situations.

Firstly, I am there to report on the story, to give you the most up-to-datenews on the driver's health and wellbeing.

This guy is my mate. He has a family,his wife and child aretherewatching on, and I'm really worried about him as a mate.

Finally -I am a nurse. I know what they are doing behind closed doors, I know the protocol and how it works. Trust me, it's worse when you know what's going on.

Thankfully in our sport these situations are very few and far between and I have only had to deal with themon a couple of occasions over the years.But when I have, the driversalways have the same look in their eyes.

It's difficult for me to put into words...Nothing. You look into theireyesand it's nothing -like they have just experiencedso much in thathorrificmoment thatduringthe minutesI am speaking with them there's nothing left. Shock, fear, pain, a combination perhaps?

Over 200kmh, an impact of 40G with zero warning.Lee Holdsworth told me he thought it was over.

He said he just closed his eyes and thought thatwas it. I can't even comprehend a moment like that, and then after about 15 minutesI come along witha microphone and camera andask him tospeak on live television.

Thankfully Lee was ok. I spoke with him this week - a bit stiff and sore, as to be expected, but that's it.Remarkable really, when you look at the crash, and the speed and violence of the impact.

It just goes to show and gives credit to the safety and the development of the next generation V8 Supercar.

These are the tough interviews.The not-so-good interviews.Nobody wants to do these interviews - but they are part of my job. And as much as they are hardand the drivers hate to do them I am grateful I get to. Because I am fortunate enough that I can call these guys my mates, and I can be there to congratulate them when they win, but also support them during thehardertimes.

Thanks Lee for the tough interview and I am glad you're ok mate!

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