Driver Hunter Abbott has escaped serious injury despite a terrifying accident in the opening round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at
Oulton Park.
Abbott had signed up to partner Rob Austin in Austin's Ginetta G50 for the Easter holiday meeting, but was left counting his blessings after a shunt on the eighth lap of the race.
The Ginetta had been battling with the Aston Martin N24 of Peter Snowdon when contact between the two cars on the run to Cascades saw the white G50 spear off to the left of the circuit.
Abbott was launched into a barrel-roll which took him over the barriers on the outside of the circuit, with the G50 being completely destroyed - although the safety cell designed to protect the driver stood up to the job as the car rolled end over end.
However, as the car came to a halt, a punctured fuel tank led to the car catching fire, with Abbott rushing to escape the burning car.
Luckily, he escaped with only minor burns - although the same can't be said for the car, which was making its debut in the series...
For more pictures,
CLICK HERE or view the slideshow below.
Pics credit: Peter Taylor PSP
![Hunter Abbott crashes out at Oulton Park - 22032008 [Pic credit: Peter Taylor PSP]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/419449.jpg)
