A driver has died during a British land speed record attempt at an airfield in Yorkshire – the same site where Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond almost lost his life.
The fatal accident occurred at Elvington Airfield on Thursday 1st October, a former RAF base near York, governing body Motorsport UK said.
It said the driver’s family had been informed and an investigation into the circumstances had begun.
North Yorkshire Police said it was called to reports of a “serious collision” at the scene shortly after 16:30 BST.
Motorsport UK said it was working with the police and event organiser to probe the tragic incident.
In a statement, the body said: “Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British Land Speed Record attempt.
“Motorsport UK, together with the event organiser and the local police, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
“Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.
“Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.”
Elvington was an RAF station until 1992, and has become a popular motorsports venue since entering private ownership.
It has hosted dozens of world record attempts, and is also used as a filming location.
In 2006, Hammond was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after a horror crash involving a jet-powered car at Elvington.
The 50-year-old was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary. He suffered serious brain injuries when his car crashed at almost 300mph, but made a full recovery.
