Veteran racing driver killed in crash during classic car race at Silverstone circuit

Denis Welch, 69, died after the accident during a race for pre-1966 Grand Prix cars

A veteran racing driver has been killed in an accident after his car clipped another and rolled over at low speed during a classic car race at the Silverstone racetrack.

Denis Welch, 69, died after the accident during a race for pre-1966 Grand Prix cars at the circuit yesterday. He was taken to the medical centre at Silverstone where he is reported to have died from his injuries.

Mr Welch, who ran the Staffordshire-based firm Denis Welch Motorsport, was a well-known and respected competitor in classic car circles and his company supplied parts for classic cars from its site in Yoxall near Lichfield.

A statement issued by the organisers on the Silverstone Classic website said: "It is with great regret that the organisers of the Silverstone Classic have to report that, following an accident in a race for HGPCA pre-66 Grand Prix Cars today, Sunday 27th July, the driver of car number 19, Denis Welch, succumbed to his injuries later in the circuit's medical centre.

"The event organisers, the race organisation, and the circuit's medical and emergency services, will all now be co-operating with the Police and the MSA (Motor Sports Association), the UK official motor sport governing body, to conduct a full investigation.

"All those involved in the event offer sincere condolences to family and the friends of Denis Welch at this very sad time."

The Motor Sports Association said Mr Welch's 1960 Lotus 18 clipped another car and rolled over at low speed during the event, organised by the Historic Sports Car Club.

The MSA added: "The relevant authorities have been informed and a full investigation will be carried out into the incident.

"As with any serious incident in or around UK motor sport, the MSA, the organising club and the circuit operators are now working closely with the police and other agencies to establish precisely what happened.

"The Motor Sports Association, the Historic Sports Car Club and Silverstone extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Welch, a well-known and respected competitor and car preparer."