A STOCK car driver who broke ten of his ribs in a serious crash remains in a critical but stable condition, his family said today.

A STOCK car driver who broke ten of his ribs in a serious crash remains in a critical but stable condition, his family said today.

Nigel Trench, of York Crescent, Claydon, is still in intensive care at Ipswich Hospital after his V8 stock car smashed into a barrier during a race at Foxhall Stadium at 6.50pm on Saturday.

Pippa Trench, his daughter, today confirmed he was in a stable condition but remained unconscious.

Although it was initially believed he had a heart attack at the wheel, his family have confirmed this was not the case.

Ms Trench also thanked everyone for their support.

The 28-year-old said: “He is stable but still in a critical condition.

“We are now waiting to hear about the investigation into what caused the accident. He did not have a heart attack.

“We are coping well and taking each day as it comes.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support and thank all of the hospital staff for everything they have done and are doing.”

Mr Trench's wife and four children have staged a bed-side vigil at the hospital since the crash.

The 56-year-old grandfather of two, 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.

The race was called off and an investigation has since been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Do you want to pass on your messages of support for the family? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk