Death of stock car driver in Staffordshire sparks plea
A coroner has called for better safety measures at stock car racing after a driver was killed in front of hundreds of spectators.
An inquest into David Weare's death found he died as the result of an accident.
He was struck by another car after climbing out of his vehicle when it ran into a fence at the Pre-68 Classic Banger Day at Hednesford Hills Raceway on September 25, 2011.
The inquest was told some drivers were 'confused' about the meaning of certain flags used to communicate safety messages to drivers.
Mr Weare, aged 43 from Devon, was competing at Hednesford for the first time in a race involving around 50 cars, organised by Incarace Ltd. South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh is writing to the Oval Racing Council International, the governing body for motor racing, calling for better safety measures to be implemented.
Giving evidence, race director Paul Gerrard said drivers were advised to stay in their cars at all times. Mr Gerrard told the hearing: "We have marshals situated inside and outside the track and they are able to get a clear indication from the drivers if they are happy with a thumbs-up signal. We also use a flag system to communicate. All of the drivers are aware of the flag system."
An investigation into Mr Weare's death was carried out by Staffordshire Police and officers from Cannock Chase Council's Environmental Health Department.
Senior environmental health officer at Cannock Chase Council, Lindsey Ellison said there was confusion among drivers over what a yellow flag meant. She said: "A notice was served on the company to make changes, which they implemented."
Mr Haigh concluded that the father-of-two died as a result of an accident.
