Motor racing driver killed after crash at Clare rally

A motor racing driver was killed on Saturday when his car went out of control during an event in Co Clare.

Simon McKinley (34), from Naul on the Meath/Dublin border, was seriously injured when the single-seater racing car he was driving crashed. He was treated by emergency crews but died at the scene.

The crash happened during the Clare Motor Club Annual Hillclimb which was held on Scalp Hill between Carran and Balharbour in the Burren.

Mr McKinley, a married father-of-one, was a four-time reigning Irish Hillclimb and Sprint Champion. His wife Deirdre (34) is also a rally driver.

Hillclimbs take place on closed roads where competitors compete to achieve the fastest time driving up a hill. The hill is usually about 1 mile long with competitors getting a practice run and three timed runs.

The incident happened at around 5.30pm during his final run of the day.

Motorsport Ireland’s website described the stage as a “fantastic and very challenging venue where experience and bravery are rewarded.”

The road was closed immediately after the crash as event marshals, safety officers and emergency crews rushed to the scene and gardaí­ were notified.

The incident is now being investigated by Motorsport Ireland, the body governing four-wheel motorsport in Ireland.

One driver said: “This was the man to beat. He was a brilliant driver. Someone said recently he ‘was the best racing driver you never heard off’. He was a great talent. We’re just numb.”

Mr McKinley's body was removed from the scene, under Garda escort, by ambulance at about 8.15pm and taken to University Hospital Limerick where a postmortem was due to take place.

The road remained closed on Saturday night pending the completion of a technical examination.

A garda spokesman said: “A 34-year-old man was seriously injured when his car went out of during a rally event in Co Clare. He was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead. The county coroner has been informed and an investigation is underway.”

In a statement, Motorsport Ireland said it “deeply regrets that competitor Simon McKinley has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred at the Clare Motor Club Hillclimb.”

“As a mark of respect the organisers, Clare Motor Club, cancelled the remainder of the event. Motorsport Ireland and Clare Motor Club extend their heartfelt sympathy to Simon’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.”