During Shanghai’s China GT opener, Dutchman Loek Hartog halted his Porsche and pulled fellow driver Ollie Millroy from a blazing Ferrari, stopping the race and preventing a fatality.
Immediate Rescue on Track
Racing minutes before the incident, Verhagen’s BMW collided with Chen’s Ferrari near Turn 14. Both vehicles slid into the hairpin; Millroy’s AAI Motorsports Ferrari caught fire after being struck from the side.
On‑board footage shows Hartog’s Phantom Global Racing Porsche pulling over, stepping out, and sprinting to the wreck. With a marshal’s fire extinguisher in hand, he doused flames and extracted Millroy from the cockpit.
The entire operation lasted roughly 49 seconds from the moment Hartog left his car.
Injuries Sustained by Millroy
Following the collapse, Millroy was hospitalized with five broken ribs, a broken collarbone, fractured hand and finger, and a bruised lung.
He later expressed gratitude, admitting he had no memory of the moments before and after the crash but will forever recall Hartog’s bravery.
Critique of Emergency Response
AAI Motorsports co‑driver Yin Yu Chen highlighted that Millroy remained unattended for about ninety seconds before marshal assistance arrived.
Chen accused track personnel of an “inadequate response” and noted the absence of fire brigade or emergency services at the scene.
Withdrawal from China GT Championship
In the aftermath, AAI Motorsports announced its withdrawal from the remainder of the China GT events, citing the organizers’ handling of the incident as a key factor.
Team officials said the decision was made collectively, prioritizing driver safety over competition.
Post‑Race Reflections and Future Plans
Hartog stated that although “terrifying” moments made him doubt his success, he followed instinctual action, aligning with standard emergency behavior.
Millroy is expected to undergo surgery and resume training, though he remains cautious given the extent of his injuries.
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