The Australian motorsport group has been rocked after drag racer Sam Fenech, 55, was killed in an “huge” crash at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, west of Brisbane.
The incident occurred at round 7pm AEST throughout a Prime Gas occasion broadcast reside on Channel 7 on Saturday night time.
WATCH IN THE VIDEO ABOVE: Prime Gas crowd’s stylish act for Sam Fenech after MC shares replace.
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Video of the crash confirmed Fenech’s automotive taking off, rising over the wall and crashing right into a digicam tower seconds later.
Fenech obtained medical therapy for a while with out an replace earlier than it was introduced that he had died.
“It’s with nice disappointment that Prime Gas Racing Australia pronounces that Sam Fenech, driver of the Fabietti Racing Doorslammer, has succumbed to accidents suffered in a racing accident at Willowbank Raceway and handed away this night,” Prime Gas Australia mentioned.
“We ship our love and help to the Fenech household and the entire group at Fabietti Racing.”
A Prime Gas host had earlier requested for sensitivity when he spoke to followers and the printed in the course of the delay after the crash.
“Sam Fenech has had an unlimited crash on the deep finish of the raceway,” the host mentioned within the moments after the crash.
“Proper now Sam is receiving therapy with the medical group however I can not be extra particular than that.
“What I can let you know in somewhat little bit of a silver lining within the state of affairs is the digicam operator that was capturing the footage from on prime of the digicam stand has been handled for some minor accidents and has been hospitalized in the intervening time.
“At the very least, phew. That is the excellent news.”
Queensland Police later confirmed the cameraman was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with non-life threatening accidents.
The Prime Gas host led the group in a spherical of applause for Fenech.
“It will be extraordinarily essential if all of us put our palms collectively for Sam proper now,” he requested.
Few followers had left Willowbank previous to the choice to name off the occasion whereas Fenech was nonetheless receiving therapy.
Supercars driver Todd Hazelwood mourned the lack of Fenech after attending the occasion.
“Completely misplaced for phrases. RIP Sam Fenech,” he wrote.
“To witness this tragedy at Willowbank Raceway tonight is totally heartbreaking.
“My coronary heart goes out to Sam’s household, pit crew, associates and supporters. Additionally wishing the cameraman a speedy restoration too.”
Motorsport presenter Chad Neylon paid tribute and despatched nicely needs to Fenech’s Fabiatti Racing crew.
“A sombre night time for drag racing,” he mentioned.
“Pondering of Sam’s household and all of the Fabietti crew. A genuinely beautiful group of individuals, I can not think about what tonight should be like for them.
“Without end within the pursuit of velocity.”
Followers additionally shared their condolences on social media.
“I watched you, simply earlier than this race, taking time to inform somebody concerning the automotive. I keep in mind pondering how pure you appeared. Blissful to be speaking about one thing you clearly cherished,” mentioned Sara Davis.
“RIP Sam, a beautiful man gone approach too quickly doing one thing he cherished. Honored to know you,” commented Karen Leonie.
Dee Ekert Potenza mentioned in a Fb submit, Fenech was like household to the motorsport group.
“Drag racing has misplaced a real legend within the sport and motor trade,” the submit mentioned.
“Drag racing is one household irrespective of your class previous current and future and all of the followers are a part of that household as nicely. You had been additionally such a gentleman.”
Fenech traveled to the occasion from New South Wales, survived by his spouse Natalie and three youngsters.
