Driver killed in rally
TRIBUTES have poured in for a southern Tasmanian man killed in a car rally in the state’s north.
The 49-year-old man from Sorell died when the Mazda RX-7 he was driving left a forestry road and hit a tree stump on Saturday.
The man, who the Mercury has chosen not to identify until his name is released with permission from the family, was competing in the Scottsdale Classic with navigator Keegan Buckley of Launceston.
The 500 Car Club of Tasmania said it was “deeply saddened at the tragic loss of a much-respected member and dear friend”.
“He was stalwart in abiding by rules, and being consistent and fair to all, while maintaining a determined competitiveness, bringing him much success along the way,” the club said on Facebook.
The club offered its condolences to his family and wished a speedy recovery to Mr Buckley, who remains in hospital.
Graham Mansfield, Commodore of the Bellerive Yacht Club where the man was also a member, described it as “disastrous news”.
“He was just a fantastic club man, a very good sailor and just an all-round top bloke,” he said.
The North West Car Club, which organised the event, expressed its sadness over the fatality.
“[Our] thoughts are with the family and friends of the crew and everyone who assisted at the scene in what would have also been a traumatic experience for them as well,” club president Nathan Newton said.
The man’s 1970s Mazda crashed during a late stage on Williams Hill Rd.
He and Mr Buckley were removed from the car and given first aid by event co-ordinators and other participants.
Private ambulance officers began CPR soon after, which continued for about an hour until Ambulance Tasmania arrived. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Buckley was taken to Launceston General Hospital and is in a stable condition.
Police crash investigators are examining the incident and will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport said it would assist police with their investigation.
“This is truly a tragic incident and we pass on our deepest sympathies to all involved,” CAMS chief executive Eugene Arocca said.
It is the second rally death in Tasmania since 2013, when driver John Ernest Mansell was killed in a crash in the state’s north during Targa Tasmania.