A MAN has died after taking part in a classic car race at Castle Donington today.
Christian Devereux was driving a Mini Cooper when it crashed into an American Mustang which and spun off the course on a bend known as 'Coppice Corner'.
The race, which included a variety of more than 20 cars deferring in styles from 1930s through to the 1960s, was immediately cancelled when marshals realised the seriousness of what had happened.
A statement from Donington Park Racing Limited said that Mr Devereux from Chiswick, London, "succumbed to the injuries" after the crash at 4.30pm.
One eye witness, who did not want to be named, said: "It is very sad I saw the crash happen and to be honest it was no worse than the type of collisions you see at the course on any given week.
"You knew it was serious when the race was cancelled and the red flags were raised."
The mixed-car race was part of the Castle Donington's Historic Festival which has been running all May Bank Holiday weekend, and has attracted hundreds of visitors from around the country.
Leicestershire Police are dealing with the accident - but are yet to release a statement - and two air ambulances also attended the scene.
The full statement from Castle Donington reads as follows: "It is with great regret that the directors of Donington Park Racing Limited, operators of Donington Park Circuit, have to report that, following an accident in a race for historic touring cars held as part of the race meeting taking place on Sunday May 5.
"The driver of car number 67 (a 1965 Mini Cooper S), Christian Devereux of Chiswick, London succumbed to the injuries sustained at approximately 16.30 hours.
"The organising race club, HSCC and Donington Park Racing Limited, together with the circuit's medical and emergency services, will now be co-operating with both the Leicestershire Police and motorsport's Governing Body, the Motor Sports Association, in order to determine the cause of this tragic accident."
