Veteran driver Sam Fenech killed as car hits tower at Willowbank race event

Former Supercars legend Craig Lowndes is among Australia’s motorsport fraternity paying tribute to Sam Fenech after the father-of-three was tragically killed in a crash at Willowbank. WARNING: Confronting

Former Supercars legend Craig Lowndes is among Australia’s motorsport fraternity paying tribute to racing “icon” Sam Fenech after the father-of-three was tragically killed in a horror crash at Willowbank on Saturday night.

Mr Fenech, a professional dragracer, died after his car flipped and crashed into a camera tower at the Willowbank Speedway track west of Brisbane at about 6.45pm.

Race goers watched in horror as Mr Fenech’s slammer car became airborne, crossed the track and flipped onto the far side of the barrier, before smashing into a camera tower.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed Mr Fenech had suffered critical injuries and despite paramedics best efforts to save him, he died at the scene. A camera operator was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Well-known racer Sam Fenech died in a crash at Willowbank on Saturday night.

Lowndes was among the chorus of people posting online tributes.

“Still can’t believe what happened last night,” Lowndes posted.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to Sam Fenech and his family. He was always happy to show me his office.

“To Fabietti Racing and the team our thoughts are with you in this tragic time along with the drag racing community.”

Mr Fenech had been participating in the speedway’s New Year Nitro event showcasing “top fuel dragsters”.

The Nitro Event was cancelled after the fatal race.

A well-respected Top Doorslammer in Australia, Mr Fenech was widely known among racing communities and word of his track death quickly spread, with thousands flocking to social media to pay their respects.

Mr Fenech’s team ACDelco Slammer Drag Racing Team took to social media to mourn the loss.

“Sam was and always will be a part of the Fabietti Racing family and was an icon of the drag racing community,” the post read.

“He will be incredibly missed. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family at this time.”

‘True legend”: Sam Fenech in Sydney in 2021.

Further tributes have poured in across social media.

“Saddest day to lose a good friend in a tragic racing accident. So grateful to get to know Sam over the past two years as part of the ACDelco team,” Tony Sewell wrote.

“Sam was so funny away from the track, awesome sense of humour. He was so respected by all, a wealth of knowledge on anything mechanical and performance related.

“And what a great driver and asset to the team. He was a great family man.

“Sam is simply irreplaceable. He will be remembered as a true legend on and off the track. My heartfelt condolences to the Fenech family. Like Warnie, they should name a stand in his honour.”

Sam Fenech was killed when his vehicle crossed the track and slammed into a camera tower at Willowbank Raceway on Saturday night. Picture: Ray Lawrence Photography

“We are absolutely gutted and lost for words,” Peninsula Motorfest posted.

Dee Potenxza wrote that both the sport racing and motor industries had lost “a true legend”.

“Drag racing is one family no matter your class, past, present and future and all the fans are a part of that family as well,” she said.

“You were also such a gentleman. May you Rest In Peace.

“My thoughts and prayers and condolences are with his family, friends, crew everyone at Aldeco and WestEndPerformance and everyone who has the pleasure to know Sam.”

Fellow racer Adam Bressington said Mr Fenech was a great family man, and very skilled driver who was loved by his employees.

“I can tell you he has been a friend and fellow associate in the performance industry for 30+ years … Sam was just a true gentleman that would go beyond when It came to helping people.

My condolences 💕

— Benjamin Wilson (@b3nibo1) January 7, 2023

“He was well regarded world wide by fellow racers. He was hard working with employees that loved him.

“He was a great family man, his upbringing was all about family and values of life.

“He was a very skilled as a driver and always managed to get the best out of his car and crew.

“The world has lost a terrific bloke.”

A screen shot from footage of the fatal crash at Willowbank on January 7. Via Benjamin Wilson on Twitter.

Mr Fenech had travelled to the Nitro event from New South Wales where he owns and operates the Westend Performance mechanic shop in Campbelltown.

Both The Willowbank Raceway and the Top Fuel Australia sponsor company confirmed Mr Fenech’s death via social media on Saturday night.

“It is with great sadness that Top Fuel Racing Australia announces that Sam Fenech, driver of the Fabietti Racing Doorslammer, has succumbed to injuries suffered in a racing accident at Willowbank Raceway and passed away this evening,” the post read.

Sam Fenech is survived by wife Natalie and three children. Picture: Facebook

“We send our love and support to the Fenech family and the whole team at Fabietti Racing.

“The accident is under investigation by QLD Police and other agencies, and as such there will be no further public comment.”

Mr Fenech is survived by his wife Natalie and three children.

The Police Forensic Crash Unit is assisting Workplace Health and Safety with investigations.