Tributes paid to driver killed at Hednesford Hills Raceway

A racing boss has paid tribute to a banger racer who died in a crash watched by hundreds of horrified spectators at a Staffordshire venue.

David Brian Weare was hit by another car after climbing out of his damaged vehicle when it ran into a fence at Hednesford Hills Raceway.

Crispin Rosevear, of Cornwall-based oval racing group Autospeed, said he was surprised to hear the 43-year-old driver had taken part in the Staffordshire event as he would normally have stuck to racing down south.

He said: "Dave raced with us in rookie bangers and Hednesford is known for racing national bangers which can be a bit more fierce.

"National bangers can be really extreme so it came as a bit of a surprise to hear that he had chosen to go to Hednesford and take part."

Mr Rosevear said everyone in the racing world has been left in shock and David, who lived with his wife Sue and their two children in Honiton, East Devon, had been due to take part in an event in Cornwall this weekend.

He said: "Dave was a regular racer and achieved a lot, he was very popular with drivers, promoters, officials and general staff.

"He had never had any problems with the rules and regulations."

Mr Rosevear, aged 45, said it is likely that some tribute will be made to the late driver, which may take the form of a trophy or meet being named after him to reflect his popularity.

Three stock racing cars have been impounded by police investigating Mr Weare's death on Sunday.

A probe is now being carried out by Staffordshire Police and Cannock Chase Council.

Nick Hughes, of organisers Incarace Ltd said the company will await the outcome of the investigation before making any decisions about future races.

He reiterated that drivers are advised to remain in their vehicles in the event of a crash.

He said: "No decision has been made yet, it is up to the health and safety investigators. We will just wait and see."

Witnesses who have not spoken to the police are being asked to contact Sgt Richard Holt at Staffordshire Police on 0300 1234455.