Driver dies trying to break British Land Speed Record at Elvington Airfield

Investigation launched after police attend scene of ‘collision’

Police confirmed they had been called to the scene near York at roughly 4:30pm (Google Maps)

A driver has died during a British land speed record attempt at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire.

Police confirmed they had been called to the scene near York at roughly 4:30pm following a serious collision at the site.

In a statement governing body Motorsport UK said it was “deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British land speed record attempt”.

The organisation added it had begun a full investigation alongside the event organiser and the local police.

“Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.

“Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present.”

Just days prior the airfield had been the site where two men set world records for the fastest times recorded in a motorised wheelie bin and a wheelchair.

It was also the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in 2006.

He was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.

The privately-owned venue, which is an active airfield, is also a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes for professional organisations.

Additional reporting by agencies