A speedway driver died while competing in an international midget car competition at Western Springs Speedway last night.
Police believe Shane Turner of Auckland, 50, suffered a heart attack or stroke before crashing. The accident happened just after 10pm and did not involve any other cars.
Speedway promoterDave Stuart said the car was approaching a corner when it seemed to slow, and glance off a wall.
"When the crash crew got there, there was no response at all from the driver, which was really strange from their point of view for such a slow speed accident which didn't involve another car and the car didn't get upside down,"
He said the on site doctor was called and paramedics tried to revive Mr Turner.
Mr Stuart said Mr Turner had been racing at the speedway for years and was well known at the track.
"It's a very sad time and obviously very sad for his family," Mr Stuart said.
The death of Mr Turner stopped the race.
Speedway New Zealand said it was investigating the accident but would not comment further.
Mr Stuart said the speedway was talking to Mr Turner's family about how his life would be commemorated.
"It will be in conjunction with the family's wishes. Both his wife and son were there. We would wait to discuss that but we wont be doing that today," Mr Stuart said.
