The racing world led tributes today to promising British Superbikes star Ben Gautrey who died in a crash while racing at Cadwell Park over the weekend.
Ben, 18, from Southport, was competing in the National Superstock 600 race in Lincolnshire yesterday when he sustained "significant and serious chest injuries" after falling on the first lap and being hit by two other riders.
Paramedics treat Ben after the crash at Cadwell Park (Pic:BBC)
A statement from race organisers MSVR said: "On the first lap of the National Superstock 600 race at Cadwell Park circuit, Benjamin Gautrey fell on the right hand corner at the bottom of the Mountain section.
"He was unavoidably hit by two riders immediately following him, five riders fell in total. The race was immediately stopped.
"Gautrey, 18 from Southport, sustained significant and serious chest and head injuries, he was treated immediately trackside by the BSB medical team before being transferred to the circuit medical centre where further attempts to resuscitate him were made. All other riders involved in the incident were uninjured.
"Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. The full circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the MCRCB [Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board] and the Coroners' office."
British Superbike Series director Stuart Higgs said: "I am so desperately sad that Ben died from the injuries he sustained at Cadwell Park.
"He was a really super young guy on his debut season at national level showing plenty of promise having won the Thundersport GB Moto450 Championship the previous year. It was entirely fitting that Ben Wilson was able to dedicate his Supersport win to Ben."
Thundersport GB race director Dave Stewart, who had worked and trained Ben since he was 13 said: “Ben was a really nice kid, the kind you would want to live next door. It is really sad.
“He was not just a motorcyclist. He liked sports whether it was athletics, running or jumping.
“He was a really determined and learned very quickly. It was his first year in the Superstock 600 and he was on course to meet all his personal goals.
“His family were really proud of him and three generations would attend every event they could.”
Race winner Wilson, a team-mate of Gautrey, said: "This was a fantastic race and a win that I dedicate it to my team-mate Ben."
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