2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Champion racing car driver Darren Barlow killed during event in Sydney
A 53-year-old racing car driver was killed in a single-vehicle crash during a state championship event at Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek on Saturday night.
Darren Barlow, president of the Supersports Race Car Club of Australia and a former NSW Supersports champion, was competing in his Stohr WFI when he crashed on the Ferrer's Road track in Sydney's west about 8pm. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene, but he was unable to be revived.
'The vehicle did crash at the end of turn one, travelling at a particularly high speed, and left the race track and rolled,' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.
Police from Blacktown Police Area Command established a crime scene and have started an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Ric Shaw, a manager of the RX8 Cup who was watching the Motorsport Park race on Saturday, said drivers understood the risks involved.
'Every time we put a helmet on, we know what we're doing,' Shaw told Nine News Sydney. 'But we all take the risk because we love it'.
Motorsport Australia said on Sunday it had been notified of the fatal incident.
'We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the competitor, and to the officials and first responders at the scene,' it said in a statement.
