West Midlands Police have launched an investigation after tributes poured in for a man killed at a Birmingham stock car meeting.
Speedway Great Britain confirmed that their loyal sponsor, Colin North, 60, tragically died at Birmingham Wheels Raceway on Saturday evening.
The Landor Street venue staged a gala night but tragedy struck after the Under 25 Championship when North was hit by a recovery vehicle leading to the event being abandoned.
A statement released on Sunday by West Midlands Police confirmed an investigation has been launched.
It said: “West Midlands Police were called to reports of a man being hit by a recovery vehicle at an organised off road stock car event at Birmingham Wheels last night (16 November).
“A 60-year-old man from Banbury was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“West Midlands Police will assist Birmingham City Council’s investigation into the circumstances.”
A joint statement released on behalf of stock car organising bodies BriSCA, BSCDA, ORCi and BMB read: “On behalf of our sport, we join our community in being shocked, saddened and numbed following a tragic accident at Birmingham Wheels last night involving an esteemed friend, ambassador and huge and valued supporter of our sport.
“Sadly, Mr Colin North passed away yesterday evening, 16th November following a tragic accident.
“As you would understand, those directly involved are shocked and numbed.
“Today our thoughts and condolences are with Colin’s family and very many friends within a wide range of communities, particularly oval racing and Speedway where, over many years, Colin, a gentleman in every sense of the word and a man of huge integrity was more than a valued sponsor, indeed a ‘friend, patron and ambassador’ for our sport.
“At this time it really is difficult for us to put into words our sadness at this tragic loss..
“We are co-operating fully with the Police and Health and Safety Executive who are investigating this tragic accident. Further information will be provided in due course but at this stage in the investigation it is inappropriate for us to comment further and we will not do so.”
Mr North was a marketing manager at motorsport tool box supplier Teng Tools, reports Birmingham Live .
He drove sponsorship of several clubs and individual riders in British speedway, prompting the governing body of the sport to release a statement regarding his passing.
The Speedway Great Britain statement read: “British Speedway has lost a loyal sponsor and friend with the sad passing of Colin North, of Teng Tools, this weekend.
“Colin was in attendance at our awards evening on Friday but sadly we were informed on Sunday morning of the devastating news.
“Colin’s non-stop enthusiasm for our wonderful sport was always appreciated and through him many riders, clubs and major events felt the benefit of support from Teng Tools.
“Everyone associated with the British Speedway Promoters’ Association would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Colin’s family at this extremely difficult and sad time.”
Seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls wrote: “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Colin North from Tengtools.
“He gave so much to the sport and to the riders, including myself. R.I.P Colin. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
British champion in 2016 Danny King added: “Really tragic news coming out about Colin North. Colin has supported me since my career began, he was a great guy who was always there to help.
“Very sad, my thoughts go out to his friends and family. RIP Colin.”
Various individual clubs such as Wolverhampton Wolves, Sheffield Tigers, Swindon Robins and King’s Lynn Stars have also paid tributes on their websites.
