“I am still processing what happened.
“I was standing at the end of the back straight and had a clear view of the crash.
“I saw driver exit turn 2 and was flying up towards turn 3 and a car was on his outside.
“It looks like the driver lost his brakes and was trying to slide around the corner but he clipped the car outside him and went straight into the wall head first and into the wall very violently.
“I would estimate he was going well over 100km.
“It was way too fast.”
The 17-year-old said the driver was a well-known and well-liked driver.
“I got a glimpse of the front of the car and the bash bar was all caved in heavily.
“No one could have survived that impact. I could tell from 60 metres away, it was very serious.”
General manager of Speedway New Zealand Zoe Irons said the death is under investigation.
“Speedway New Zealand extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to our wider speedway community during this difficult time,” Irons told the Herald.
“We take all incidents at our events extremely seriously. Any matter reported to us is subject to a thorough and formal investigation process in line with our safety and governance protocols.
“The safety and wellbeing of our competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators remains our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders as part of this process.
“At this time, our thoughts are with the family affected and everyone within our speedway community.”
Irons said police would be releasing the identity of the driver.
St John sent an operations manager, one rapid response unit and one ambulance to the address on Friendship Drive.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two fire trucks, one from Lookout Point and one from Brighton, where crews are assisting ambulance staff.
A police spokesperson said they would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash.
“Police were notified of the two-vehicle crash, which occurred on private property, around 7.10pm,” the spokesperson said.
“Sadly, despite best efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.
“The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and WorkSafe was to be advised.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash and may have footage of the incident – you can contact Police through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number 260329/1456."
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
According to the Beachlands Speedway website, it was night two of a clay track racing event called ‘Modified Thunder’.
The family friendly event had returned after an eight-year break, featuring modified V8 car “chaos”.
A car racing on the track in April 2024 catapulted over the safety fence, almost landing on top of spectators. No one was harmed in that incident.
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