Motorsport driver ‘beaten and bruised’ but alive after medical event
David Unwin / Stuff
There was an accident in Manfeild on Sunday after a driver had a suspected medical event.
A Manawatū motorsport meeting had to be canceled after a driver suffered suspected cardiac arrest and crashed.
The Manawatū Car Club was hosting the second round of its winter series at Manfeild in Feilding on Sunday, but it was canceled around 11:30 a.m. after an accident.
President Richie Arber led Things to a statement and would make no further comment.
The statement said Arber had been in contact with the driver’s family who told him he may have suffered cardiac arrest during a race and was “a bit battered and bruised, but otherwise that was going to”.
READ MORE:
* Allen set to surprise young guns in Toyota 86 Championship
* Support pours in for motorsport prodigy Taranaki after serious accident
* The face of Manfeild Park for 30 years, Wendy Lester remembers
“He is receiving excellent care at Palmerston North Hospital, with doctors working to understand exactly what happened and why in the coming days.”
Arber said “miracles happen” and he was grateful for the work of the people who made it possible, including the medical staff, rescue team and volunteers.
A spectator at the track, who wished to remain anonymous, saw the accident and people performing CPR on the driver afterwards.
“It was around the second lap of the race and he was going through the inside corners at Manfeild, through the esses the car went straight instead of turning left.
“He didn’t even spin, break and go full speed into the tire barrier.”
A statement from MotorSport New Zealand chief executive Elton Goonan said a driver had been taken to Palmerston North Hospital in critical condition after suffering a suspected medical event while racing.
“The remainder of the event has been canceled due to force majeure both to the competitor and to allow officials to properly investigate and review the incident,” the statement read.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with the contestant and his family at this time.
“I would like to thank and acknowledge the Manawatū Car Club volunteer managers and emergency service personnel who did an outstanding job in responding quickly to this incident.”
The automobile club celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and the next round of the winter series will take place on August 6 and 7.
Things asked Palmerston North Hospital for an update on the driver.