Flat track rider Troy Knights dies in Gillman Speedway crash

A rider has died after a horrific crash at a motorcycle speedway track in Adelaide’s northwest.

A rider has died following a horror crash at a motorcycle speedway track in Adelaide’s northwest.

Troy Knights was competing in the flat track championship at Gillman Speedway on Saturday when he collided with the motorcycle in front of him after its rider fell off.

The 42-year-old sustained serious injuries in the incident, which occurred around 10.15pm.

He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died on Sunday morning. The Advertiser understands the other rider was uninjured.

Western District police will prepare a report for the State Coroner over the tragedy.

Troy Knights died after a crash at Gillman Speedway on Sunday night. Picture: Instagram

Gillman Speedway. Picture: Natalie Vikhrov

The 42-year-old sustained serious injuries when he collided with the motorcycle in front of him after its rider fell off. Picture: Natalie Vikhrov

SA Speedway Riders Association president and meet organiser Ivan Golding said Mr Knight’s death was a big tragedy for the club and its patrons.

“We’re a pretty close-knit group,” he said.

“He certainly will be missed by everyone at Gillman Speedway.”

SA Speedway Riders Association president Ivan Golding said Mr Knights was “a well-liked competitor”. Picture: Instagram

Mr Golding said Mr Knights had been riding flat track regularly at the speedway for four years.

“He was a well-liked competitor,” he said.

“Troy was never far behind the front runners.”

Tributes have been flowing for the rider, with Tony McGuinness describing him as a “liked and respected young man” on Facebook.

“The speedway family is saddened with the death of Troy Knights at Gillman Speedway last night,” he said.

“Sometimes the sport we all love has a dark side.

“A liked and respected young man who always came and said g’day when he was around and talked about his work … your bosses always spoke highly of you to me …

“R. I. P mate and condolences to your family and friends.”

The club is organising counselling for its members. Picture: 7NEWS

Around 400 spectators converged on Gillman speedway on Saturday for the Gillman Flat Track Championship.

The club is arranging counselling for the riders and spectators.

The speedway is home to meetings that see riders do laps around an oval dirt track at speeds of up to 100 km per hour.

Gillman Speedway, a 300m-long motorcycle track, opened in 1998 and runs about 13 meetings per season from October to March/April.

Originally published as Flat track rider Troy Knights dies in Gillman Speedway crash