Stephen Grove in ‘shock’ after crashing out of Bathurst 12-hour as Supercars legend Craig Lowndes also forced out

Multiple drivers have been forced out of the Bathurst 12-hour just two hours into the endurance race at the iconic Mount Panorama track on Sunday.

Supercars legend Craig Lowndes, debutant Ryan Sorenson, Marcel Zalloua and Stephen Grove all crashed out during a dramatic morning.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Grove crashes out.

Grove was in a state of shock after crashing into the wall following side-on contact with Kenny Habul at the Skyline. His car ended up airborne and nearly flew over the top of the racetrack wall.

He was eventually able to walk away from the crash, but took a minute to catch his breath after emerging from his car.

Grove could be heard moaning in his car as it eventually came to a stop.

“Fair bit of shock in the cockpit there. You can see it’s taken the wind out of Steve,” commentator Garth Tander said.

Grove was later taken to Orange Hospital for further assessments.

“Initial test have revealed damage to his back, however until subsequent tests and consultation with Westmead Hospital in Sydney has taken place, we’re unsure of the full extent of his injury,” Groves Racing said in a statement.

“We want to thank all of our fans and loyal supporters for the outpouring of love the team has received.

“Steve is in good spirits and looks forward to getting back to the track again.”

Sorenson, in the #25 McLaren Artura GT4, spun out at McPhillamy Park and crashed into the wall.

Rebounding off the concrete barrier, the Method Motorsport car collected Marcel Zalloua and forced the Audi R8 LMS EVO II into the opposing wall.

Both cars were ruled out of the race.

Lowndes was forced out when broke the drive shaft of the #222 Mercedes-AMG GT3 car after hitting the wall inside the Dipper.

The three-time Supercars champion tried to cruise back to pit lane but could only make it down Conrod Strait before driving off into the grass.

Lowndes was sharing the Scott Taylor Motorsport car with current Supercars drivers, Tickford duo Cam Waters and Thomas Randle.

He was running 10th in the 22-car field at the time of the incident, chasing a third 12-hour victory to go with his seven Bathurst 1000 wins.

“I’m actually gutted for Cam, he didn’t get a chance to drive,” Lowndes said.

“It was my mistake and this place can bite. It’s pretty cruel at times.

“As I was about to go tip right into the Dipper, I just clipped that right wall, and it spat me across.

“I thought I’d saved it.”

- With AAP