Sorell man identified as rally crash victim

A MAN killed in a car rally in the state’s North has been formally identified as Darren Clark, 49 of Sorell.

The crash occurred on forestry roads near Scottsdale about 5.30pm on Saturday during the Scottsdale Classic.

A report was being prepared for the coroner, Tasmania Police said in a statement yesterday.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.”

Mr Clark’s 1970s Mazda lost control and hit a tree stump during a late stage on Williams Hill Rd.

Navigator Keegan Buckley, of Launceston, suffered multiple suspected fractures in the crash.

He was taken to Launceston General Hospital and was in a stable condition.

Mr Clark has been lauded by friends as an “all round top bloke” and a “much respected” member clubs.

“He was just a fantastic club man, a very good sailor and just an all round top bloke,” said Graham Mansfield, commodore of the Bellerive Yacht Club.

The North West Car Club, which organised the Scottsdale in car and sailing Classic rally, also expressed its sadness.

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport said it would assist police with their investigation. It is the second rally death in Tasmania since 2013 when driver John Ernest Mansell was killed during Targa Tasmania.