A MAN died during a classic car race at Castle Donington yesterday.
Christian Devereux was driving a Mini Cooper when it crashed into an American Ford Mustang which had spun off at Coppice Corner.
The race, which included more than 20 cars, was stopped when marshals realised the seriousness of the crash. A statement from Donington Park Racing Ltd said Mr Devereux from Chiswick, London, "succumbed to injuries" after the crash at 4.30pm.
One 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 race was part of Donington's Historic Festival which has attracted visitors from around the country.
Leicestershire Police are dealing with the accident, but have yet to release a statement. Two air ambulances were at the scene.
The statement from Donington said: "It is with great regret that the directors of Donington Park Racing Ltd, 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, succumbed to the injuries sustained at 16.30 hours."
The organisers and emergency teams will work with police to find out exactly what happened.