Racing driver’s death prompts Daylesford Speedway track probe

The death of an experienced racing driver in a nasty rollover crash has sparked a review into the safety of a popular Daylesford track.

Mr Douglas won a qualifying heat race at the Daylesford Speedway event, just hours before his death.

The death of a racing driver in a horror rollover crash has sparked a review into the safety of a popular track in Victoria’s northwest.

Race meetings at Daylesford Speedway have been put on-hold after experienced driver, Stephen Douglas, died when he crashed while racing at the Basin Reserve track last month.

The 48-year-old father was transported to hospital with critical injuries but he later died.

Speedway Australia is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

It’s understood Mr Douglas crashed into a fence and rolled his car upside down on its roof before two other competing drivers smashed into him.

The incident occurred in front of hundreds of spectators during the annual Chivers Memorial Race, an organised event to honour the late Daryl Chivers.

Mr Douglas has been remembered as a “lovely larrikin”.

As part of their investigation, the governing body will assess the risk and safety factors of holding events at the track.

Hepburn Shire council chief executive Bradley Thomas said Daylesford Speedway Association will not be handed any further on-track permits.

“Until the investigation is concluded, Speedway Australia will not issue any further on-track permits to the Daylesford Speedway Association Inc.

“This means the club is currently unable to meet its obligations under the track lease arrangements and cannot conduct racing at the Basin Reserve at this time.

“Details of improvements required at the track, if any, will be included in Speedway Australia’s review.”

This comes as the Victorian Speedway Council cancelled their Junior 1200 State Title event at the track that was scheduled for March 19.

The speedway has been at the centre of controversy when council approved the association’s new lease in May last year.

Significant community feedback included objections due to noise, impacts on the environment and location.

In a statement, a Daylesford Speedway Drivers Association spokesman said the committee hoped to “move forward” with improvements.

“The club will continue to work with the Hepburn Shire and all other relevant organisations to be able to hold race meetings in the future,” he said.

“We apologise, but this is something that is not in the clubs control.

“It is unfortunate that this has occurred and the committee wishes to see the club and venue move forward with improvements.”

The spokesman said Mr Douglas, also known as Dougo, was a “happy bloke” who was “well-respected by his competitors” and “always available to lend a hand or an ear”.

He was a member and volunteer at Nyora Raceway, a Poowong CFA volunteer and worked in the agriculture industry.