Driver dies while trying to break British land speed record
A driver has died while trying to break the British land speed record.
The motorist was involved in a ‘serious collision’ at Elvington Airfield, in York, at 4.30pm, officers said. They have not been named by police.
In a statement, Motorsport UK said it had begun a full investigation alongside the event organiser and North Yorkshire Police.
They said: ‘Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British Land Speed Record attempt.
‘Motorsport UK, together with the event organiser and the local police, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.
‘Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.’
The British land speed record for a vehicle is currently 207.6mph, set by racer Tony Densham driving a Ford-powered ‘Commuter’ dragster at Elvington in 1970.
In May 2018, Zef Eisenberg rode the fastest ever motorbike at Pendine sands, travelling at 201.5mph.
Elvington Airfield was also the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, 50, in 2006. He was left in a coma for two weeks and suffered brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.
In a statement, Motorsport UK said it had begun a full investigation alongside the event organiser and North Yorkshire Police.
They said: ‘Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British Land Speed Record attempt.
‘Motorsport UK, together with the event organiser and the local police, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.
‘Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.’
The British land speed record for a vehicle is currently 207.6mph, set by racer Tony Densham driving a Ford-powered ‘Commuter’ dragster at Elvington in 1970.
In May 2018, Zef Eisenberg rode the fastest ever motorbike at Pendine sands, travelling at 201.5mph.
Elvington Airfield was also the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, 50, in 2006. He was left in a coma for two weeks and suffered brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.
