Speedway death causes shock

 

A community is in shock following a death during a practise run at Invercargill's Oreti Park.

A 59 year old died at around two o'clock yesterday afternoon after his bike and side-car flipped.

Speedway New Zealand confirmed to infonews.co.nz the man died in a practice run, not an official meet.

Park President Warren Shuttleworth says between 50 and 60 spectators witnessed the crash, first death in the park's history.

"It's a tragedy for the club and everyone involved," he says.

Speedway New Zealand President David Jones has offered his condolences to the man's family and friends, but says the man will not be identified just yet.

"A person involved in a sidecar has died unfortunately, we're not releasing the name at this stage until the next of kin have been involved and police have told us that's ok," he says.