Sidecar race crash passenger dies at Mallory Park

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A 61-year-old man has died while taking part in a motorcycle sidecar race at a Leicestershire racetrack.

Dave Wells, of York, was a passenger in Saturday's race at the 16th International Sidecar Festival at the Mallory Park racetrack, Kirkby Mallory.

Mallory Park general manager John Ward said Mr Wells' death was a "tragic loss" of a "great character".

He said the death was not down to track safety and blamed "mechanical failure". An investigation is under way.

'Racing hero'

The sidecar driver, Roy Hanks, of Birmingham, suffered minor injuries.

"It is with great regret that we have to announce the tragic loss of one of sidecar racing's heroes," Mr Ward said.

Mr Wells died from his injuries at the Leicester Royal Infirmary on Saturday after the accident in the Formula 2 class race for 600cc motorcycles.

He was a former winner of sidecar races at the TT (Tourist Trophy) competition in the Isle of Man.