Stock car driver hurt in Foxhall smash
A STOCK car driver who broke ten of his ribs in a serious crash has today been praised by a racing commentator.
A STOCK car driver who broke ten of his ribs in a serious crash has today been praised by a racing commentator.
Nigel Trench was initially thought to have sustained life-threatening injuries when his V8 stock car smashed into a barrier after he suffered a suspected heart attack.
The accident happened just five minutes into a race at Foxhall Stadium at about 6.50pm on Saturday.
The 56-year-old, of York Crescent, Claydon, who has been driving for more than 35 years, needed to be cut from his car by firefighters before being taken to hospital with at least two breaks to ten of his 12 ribs. It is also thought he may have suffered a heart attack behind the wheel.
The race was called off and an investigation has since been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.
Today, track commentator Jim Gregory, who was at the stadium at the time of the horror smash, said: “Nigel is a lovely bloke. A typical salt-of-the-earth type. He lives for his racing.
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“He's a big old chap, very quietly spoken, very gentle and a very nice man.
“He's been racing an awfully long time, never with an ambition of being world champion - he's quite happy just taking part.
“My thoughts are with him and his family - I hope he gets better in the fullness of time.”
Mr Gregory said once the crash happened St John Ambulance staff, firefighters, police officers and paramedics all attended the scene quickly. The roof of Mr Trench's car was removed so he could be taken to Ipswich Hospital.
He is continuing to be closely monitored by staff at the hospital but his condition is no longer critical.
Mr Gregory: “Everyone wants the sport to be as safe as possible for drivers, promoters, spectators and everyone. We need to establish what happened and why.
“Crashes are part and parcel of stock car racing. It is probably as safe as it can be but car racing by its nature will always have its moments when we need help from emergency services.”
Did you see the horror smash? Do you know Nigel Trench? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk
