Ollie Millroy has publicly expressed his gratitude to fellow racer Loek Hartog after a harrowing incident during the China GT event at the Shanghai International Circuit. Millroy, who was involved in a serious crash that left him with multiple injuries, credited Hartog with saving his life by pulling him from a burning Ferrari.
The incident occurred during the fourth round of the China GT series, which took place over the weekend. Millroy was behind the wheel of the FIST Team AAI’s No. 91 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, racing alongside teammate Chen Yin Yu. Hartog, competing for Phantom Global Racing in the No. 79 Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO with Li Ning, was one of the first on the scene following the crash.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Millroy detailed the moments following the accident, stating, “Thanks to one individual, I find myself alive this evening. @loekhartog_ immediately stopped, even in the absence of flag marshals or firefighting personnel, and put his own safety at risk to extricate me from the vehicle.” Millroy described a significant memory gap, recalling nothing from about 30 seconds before the impact until an hour later, but he will always remember Hartog’s bravery.
Millroy's injuries are severe, including five fractured ribs, a broken collarbone, a damaged hand and finger, and a bruised lung. Despite the extent of his injuries, he acknowledged that the situation could have been much worse without Hartog’s quick action. “Thank you, Loek. I owe you my life for your selfless act today,” he wrote.
Following the crash, which also involved drivers David Chen and Neil Verhagen, the race was red-flagged and did not resume. Millroy confirmed that he will undergo two surgeries in the coming days and will require several weeks of recovery in China before he can travel back home.
As a champion in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Hartog joined the China GT series for four of its five rounds, showcasing his skills on an international stage. The incident has drawn attention not only for the dramatic nature of the crash but also for the camaraderie and heroism displayed among racers in the face of danger.
Millroy concluded his message by thanking his supporters and expressing his appreciation for the messages he has received. He noted that his partner, Fern, is on her way to be with him, and he is surrounded by his team and the Taiwanese family from Team AAI. As he prepares for surgery and recovery, Millroy remains thankful for the life-saving actions of his fellow competitor, Loek Hartog.
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