Sam Fenech dies in drag racing accident at Willowbank Top Fuel event as motorsport community mourns father-of-three – 7NEWS

The Australian motorsport local community has been rocked after drag racer Sam Fenech, 55, was killed in an “enormous” crash at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, west of Brisbane.

The incident occurred at around 7pm AEST during a Top Gas event broadcast live on Seven on Saturday night.

WATCH IN THE VIDEO ABOVE: Top Fuel crowd’s classy act for Mike Fenech right after MC shares update.

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Video associated with the crash showed Fenech’s car taking off, rising over the wall plus crashing into a camera tower seconds later.

Fenech received medical treatment for some time without an update before it was announced he had died.

“It is with great sadness that Best Fuel Racing Australia announces that Sam Fenech, driver from the Fabietti Racing Doorslammer, has succumbed to injuries suffered in a racing incident at Willowbank Raceway and passed away this evening, ” Top Energy Australia said.

“We send our love and support to the Fenech family and the whole team at Fabietti Racing. ”

Top Gasoline host Wade Aunger had earlier asked for sensitivity when he spoke to fans and the particular broadcast during the delay after the crash.

“Sam Fenech provides had an enormous crash at the deep end of the particular raceway, ” the host said within the moments after the crash.

“Right now Sam is receiving therapy with the medical team but I can’t be more specific than that.

“What I can tell you within a little bit of the silver lining in the particular situation is the camera operator that has been shooting the footage from on top of the particular camera stand has been treated for some minor injuries plus has already been hospitalised at the moment.

“At least, phew. That’s the good news. ”

Queensland Police later confirmed the cameraman was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital along with non-life threatening injuries.

Aunger led the crowd in the round of applause for Fenech.

“It would be extremely important if we all put our hands together for Sam right now, ” the particular Top Fuel MC asked.

Few followers had left Willowbank prior to the decision to call off the event while Fenech had been still receiving treatment.

Supercars car owner Todd Hazelwood mourned the loss of Fenech after attending the particular event.

“Absolutely lost with regard to words. RIP Sam Fenech, ” he wrote.

“To witness this tragedy in Willowbank Track tonight is absolutely heartbreaking.

“My heart goes out to Sam’s family, pitcrew, friends and supporters. Also wishing the cameraman a fast recovery too. ”

Motorsport presenter Chad Neylon paid tribute plus sent well wishes in order to Fenech’s Fabiatti Racing crew.

“A sombre night regarding drag race, ” this individual said.

“Thinking of Sam’s family and all the Fabietti crew. A genuinely lovely group of people, We can’t imagine what tonight must be like for them.

“Forever in the pursuit of speed. ”

The particular Australian National Drag Race Association stated: “AAll from ANDRA are deeply saddened by this particular tragic news. Sam was a great man, racer plus friend, may he rest in peace. Please join us in sending the deepest condolences to his team and loved ones at this terrible time. ”

Fans flooded social media with memories associated with Fenech.

“I watched you, just before this race, taking time to inform someone about the car. I remember thinking how natural a person seemed. Happy to become talking regarding something you obviously loved, ” mentioned Sara Davis.

“RIP Mike, a lovely guy gone way too soon doing something he adored. Honoured to know you, ” commented Karen Leonie.

Dee Ekert Potenza said in a Facebook post Fenech was like family towards the motorsport community.

“Drag racing offers lost the true legend in the particular sport plus motor industry, ” the post stated.

“Drag racing is one family members no matter your own class past present and future plus all the particular fans are usually apart of that family as well. You were also such a gentleman. ”

Fenech, who travelled to the event through New South Wales, survived by their wife Natalie and three children.