Tributes flow for “lovely larrikin” killed in Daylesford Speedway crash

A loving father has been remembered as a “top bloke” after he was killed in horror smash at a popular car racing event in Daylesford.

Stig Sebbesen (left) said his mate Stephen Douglas (right) was always there for him. Picture: Supplied

The racing community are mourning the loss of a “lovely larrikin” who was killed in a horror crash hours after he won a race at a popular event in Victoria’s northwest.

Stephen Douglas, 48, died when he crashed his vehicle while racing at Daylesford Speedway on Basin Rd about 7.30pm on Saturday.

He was transported to hospital with critical injuries where he later died.

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

A cheerful photo of Mr Douglas was taken hours before his death after he won a qualifying heat race.

Mr Douglas won a race hours before his tragic death.

The Poowong man was an experienced driver, racing competitively for about a decade.

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

His friend, Dean Thompson, told the Herald Sun that Mr Douglas, also known as Dougo, was a “lovely larrikin”.

“Dougo was the quintessential Australian bloke,” he said.

“A bonds singlet, a beer, a laugh and that Mo that made him look like the Solo man, from that ad.

“Lovely larrikin who would help anybody else before himself.

“I’m going to miss laughing with Dougo every time we crossed paths.

“I’m going to miss that good time smile.”

Tributes have flowed on social media with friends remembering Mr Douglas as a “genuine bloke”.

“Dougo was a top bloke and my best friend,” Shane Ardley said.

“He would take the shirt off his back to help anyone, that’s how he was.”

Stig Sebbesen said he always called his mate “a brother from another mother”.

“Stephen was always funny and there for me, as a good friend,” he said.

“Rest in peace Dougo, you will always be in my heart and memories.

Drouin Speedway secretary Anne Gooding said Mr Douglas was a friend to many.

“Today is a sad day for all of Speedway as we have all lost a fellow driver from a racing incident,” she said.

“Stephen Douglas, known as Dougo, was not only a husband, father, grandfather, he was a mate to many, an advisor, and a great bloke that would help anybody or speedway club.”