Hednesford raceway driver killed in crash

A stock car racing driver was killed in front of hundreds of horrified spectators at a Staffordshire raceway.

David Weare was struck by another car after climbing out of his vehicle when it ran into a fence at the Hednesford Hills event yesterday. The 43-year-old from Devon was competing at the venue for the first time.

Organisers Incarace Ltd said the accident happened in the final race of the two-litre banger class involving about 50 cars.

Nick Hughes, a banger co-ordinator for Incarace, said: "The driver went into the fence and decided to get out of the car and climb over the safety barrier.

"He was part-way out of the car when another driver accidentally went into him.

"We always advise people to stay in their cars and we're not sure what was running through his mind at the time."

The accident happened at 3.15pm yesterday, during the Pre-68 Classic Banger Day. Spectator Glyn Jones, 47, of Coppermill Close, Hednesford, said: "He got pushed into the wall by the grandstand. He couldn't re-start but gave the thumbs-up to the marshals.

"He took his crash helmet off and got out just as another car came around the bend and it crashed into him. He was sandwiched between the cars and taken down the track."

Insp John Stapes from Staffordshire Police said: "This is an extremely tragic accident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the man's family."

Witnesses are asked to call 0300 1234455.