A DRIVER who was airlifted to hospital following a crash at the Castle Combe Circuit on Monday is still in an induced coma after suffering neck injuries.

Roy Bennett was one of the oldest racers taking part in the second of the day’s three Superkart races on the 1.85mile track at around 2pm when it is believed his engine seized on the approach to Quarry Corner.

The driver, from Brookthorpe, Gloucester, had to be cut from the wreckage of his vehicle by track marshals and the circuit's rescue team. He was taken to the track’s medical centre before he was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by the Great Western Air Ambulance.

He underwent an operation and was put into an induced coma. Doctors are said to be pleased with how things have gone.

John Moon, press officer for the circuit and the organising Castle Combe Racing Club, said: “All kart races are held under the control of the Motor Sports Association with stringent scrutineering before the event begins, of the karts and the driver's safety equipment such as helmet, overalls, gloves and boots.

“All drivers are licensed by the MSA and the vast majority in our race were very experienced.

“The circuit is licensed and has to pass regular safety checks by the MSA's own circuit inspection team.

“These checks include the types of energy absorbing materials placed in front of the ‘Armco’ barriers at corners and vulnerable locations.

“The MSA also set stringent standards for the medical facilities at British racing circuits including highly trained fast response medical and rescue teams.

“All these systems were fully tested by events at Monday’s race meeting and worked successfully.

“The way the marshals, medical staff and rescue teams acted was impressive and they did everything they could.

“A comprehensive report of the accident has been provided to the Motor Sports Association, normal practice for all events organised under an MSA racing permit.”

It is the first time in the three years that the Superkarts have raced at the Wiltshire circuit.

The F450 and F250 National Superkarts are capable of reaching 60mph from a standing start in three seconds and can hit top speeds of 130mph.

In the day’s first Superkart race, Luke Plain was also taken to hospital via a road ambulance after suffering suspected concussion in an accident.