Police are making inquiries after a crash at Ruapuna Speedway near Christchurch last night which left a competitor in a critical condition.
Emergency services were called to the event in Templeton about 7pm.
A sprint car competitor was injured in the single vehicle crash with following races cancelled.
“To our loyal supporters, thank you for your understanding,” Ruapuna Speedway posted on Facebook after the incident.
“Motorsport can be dangerous, this is an unfortunate reminder of that.
“Our thoughts are with the drivers (sic) family as we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The speedway also asked for those involved to be respected and to “think twice when sharing posts to social media”.
Some people have commented on social media that witnessing the incident was “devastating” and “traumatic” for competitors and spectators.
In a statement, a New Zealand Police spokesperson said officers are making inquiries into the crash.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said paramedics assessed and treated the driver, who was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.
Two fire trucks were called to the scene, but the second one was stood down before arrival, a Fire Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the driver was removed from the vehicle by event staff.
