Chelsea Herbert exits Toyota Racing Series with fractured vertebrae

The Castrol Toyota Racing Series has confirmed that Chelsea Herbert will withdraw from the remaining rounds of the 2020 championship as a result of a back injury sustained in Saturday’s Qualifying session.

Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand said “having exited pit lane to start the session and within metres of joining the track, her car left the circuit and went into the tyre wall on the right hand side of the main straight.”

Herbert was extricated and taken to hospital after complaining of back pain. Further examination and a CT scan confirmed that she had suffered a stable fracture in one of her vertebrae.

She does not require surgery and is expected to be released from hospital within a day or two.

Chelsea’s father Mark Herbert said “the whole of our team, the family, Chelsea’s sponsor MTF Finance and Toyota GAZOO Racing would like to acknowledge the medical and rescue teams for their efforts.”

Toyota executive Andrew Davis said “we’re very disappointed to lose such a talented driver at this point of the championship and everyone wishes her all the best for a swift recovery and a return to the racing we know she loves.”