The Tasmanian rally community is in shock after the death of popular driver, Darren Clark, in an accident in the state’s north east on Saturday afternoon.
An ABC News report on Sunday stated:
“About 5:30pm on Saturday, during a late stage of racing in the North West Car Club's Scottsdale Classic Rally, a Mazda RX7 "collided with a tree stump" on Williams Hill Road, Forester, police said.Driver Darren Clark, 49, and navigator Keegan Buckley, 33, were "removed from the car and first aid given by event coordinators and other participants", police said."A private ambulance employed as a condition of the race permit arrived at the scene shortly after, and CPR was commenced," they said."CPR continued for around an hour until Ambulance Tasmania arrived. Unfortunately, the male driver from Sorell was pronounced dead at the scene."Police said the navigator, from Launceston, was taken to Launceston General Hospital and is in a stable condition, with suspected multiple fractures.The race has been called off and the scene was attended by police crash investigators and forensics.
Darren Clark was a much-respected member of Tasmania's 500 Car Club.
In a statement, the North West Car Club expressed its "sadness in relation to a fatal crash during the Scottsdale Historic Rally over the weekend"."The North West Car Club's thoughts are with the family and friends of the crew and everyone who assisted at the scene in what would have also been a traumatic experience for them as well," club president Nathan Newton said.The club said it would make no further comment on the incident at this stage, "as it is now subject to a police investigation and coronial inquiry, as well as an investigation by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS)".In a Facebook post, the 500 Car Club of Tasmania said its members were "deeply saddened at the tragic loss of a much-respected member and dear friend with the passing of Darren Clark yesterday"."Darren is remembered as a passionate and steady-hand guiding the development of the club, participating as a competitor, organiser and officer for over 30 years," the post said."He was stalwart in abiding by rules, and being consistent and fair to all, while maintaining a determined competitiveness, bringing him much success along the way."The club also wished a "speedy recovery to Keegan Buckley, and know that everyone will support and care for each other in this difficult time"."Our many thanks to the event officials and emergency services who managed and cared for our friends."A report into the incident is being prepared for the coroner.”
RallySport Magazines sends its deepest condolences to Darren’s family and friends, and wish Keegan Buckley a full and speedy recovery.
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