A driver on the Targa NZ tarmac motor rally was airlifted to Hawke's Bay Hospital today by the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, the first of two crashes on the Crownthorpe leg of the race.
Police say the male driver was in a serious condition from the Crownthorpe Settlement Rd crash, that occurred just before 9:30am.
Police, St John Ambulance and Hastings fire service also attended.
Hastings fire service senior station officer Glenn Drew said the race was halted after the crash, when a Mazda failed to take a corner and "travelled a fair way off the road".
"He shot across a paddock and through a ditch," he said.