Australian motorsport in mourning after death of Darren Barlow in Sydney crash
Darren Barlow, 53, was a life member and the president of the Supersports Race Car Club of Australia, and a former world champion.
He was competing in the NSW Motor Race Championship on Saturday when his car left the track and rolled.
Paramedics rushed to the scene but he was unable to be saved.
'His vehicle left the racetrack at high speed and unfortunately rolled and he died as a result of that crash,' NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol assistant commander David Driver said.
'There will be a local investigation where the police will prepare a report for the coroner.'
In lead-up races Barlow's vehicle, number 27, had ignition issues but no major incidents in the eight-car field.
Racing co-ordinator and close friend Ric Shaw said Barlow's loss would be keenly felt.
'[He was] a lovely, friendly guy, he'd make you feel so welcome and so warm,' Shaw told 7NEWS.
'We've lost a guy who was worth his weight in gold and I honestly don't know how you're ever going to replace him.
'I'm sure everyone else in motorsport would want to say the same thing: I'd like to say Darren, thanks mate, and we're really going to miss you.'
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Sydney Morning Herald
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7NEWS
15 hours ago
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Sydney's motorsport community is in mourning after a much-loved driver was killed in a high-speed crash at Eastern Creek on Saturday night. Darren Barlow, 53, was a life member and the president of the Supersports Race Car Club of Australia, and a former world champion. He was competing in the NSW Motor Race Championship on Saturday when his car left the track and rolled. Paramedics rushed to the scene but he was unable to be saved. 'His vehicle left the racetrack at high speed and unfortunately rolled and he died as a result of that crash,' NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol assistant commander David Driver said. 'There will be a local investigation where the police will prepare a report for the coroner.' In lead-up races Barlow's vehicle, number 27, had ignition issues but no major incidents in the eight-car field. Racing co-ordinator and close friend Ric Shaw said Barlow's loss would be keenly felt. '[He was] a lovely, friendly guy, he'd make you feel so welcome and so warm,' Shaw told 7NEWS. 'We've lost a guy who was worth his weight in gold and I honestly don't know how you're ever going to replace him. 'I'm sure everyone else in motorsport would want to say the same thing: I'd like to say Darren, thanks mate, and we're really going to miss you.'
Mercury
16 hours ago
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Man who died in motorsport crash identified as Darren Barlow
A man who died during a motorsports competition in Sydney's west has been identified as Darren Barlow. Emergency services were called to a motorsports park on Ferrers Rd in Eastern Creek shortly after 8pm on Saturday night following reports a vehicle had crashed during a sanctioned race event. Paramedics treated the driver, however the 53-year-old died at the scene. Mr Barlow was identified as the driver, and was racing a Stohr WF1 when he crashed, 9 NEWS reported. A man who died during a motorsports competition in Sydney has been identified as Darren Barlow. Picture: 9News RX8 Cup manager Ric Shaw told the outlet he'd stood up at the end of the race to go speak with Mr Barlow. 'Unfortunately I couldn't see him. I couldn't speak to him again,' Mr Shaw said, getting choked up. Mr Barlow was Motorsport Australia's NSW state council chair between 2023 and 2025. Darren Barlow was Motorsport Australia's NSW state council chair between 2023 and 2025. Picture: 9News He took out two wins at the same motorsports park back in 2019, where he told Motorsport Australia he loved to compete. 'From a competitor's point of view, I really enjoy racing in the championships too because of the quality of the entrants competing and I suppose this round I was lucky enough to win after some good battles with Alex Kenny,' Mr Barlow said. Motorsport Australia said they had been notified of a fatal incident during a state championship event on Saturday night. 'We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the competitor, and to the officials and first responders at the scene,' Motorsport Australia said in a statement. 'Motorsport Australia's Critical Incident Plan is in action, and staff are working with the NSW Police and the venue following this incident. Originally published as Man who died in motorsport crash identified as Darren Barlow
