More information has been released around the death of a motorcyclist at a drag racing meet over the weekend.
The Meremere Dragway Board of Directors announced in a statement this morning the competitor killed on Saturday afternoon was 66-year-old Pukekohe competitor Laurie Webster.
Mr Webster lost his life while riding his purpose-built machine at Meremere Drag Raceway and was the only competitor on track at the time, making a solo qualifying pass.
Meremere Dragway management said they won't make further comment while they wait on a formal report into the death but their throughts were with Mr Webster's family and race team.
"The competitors, crews and officials involved in New Zealand drag racing are a very close-knit community and everyone has been deeply saddened by the accident."
Police confirmed the death and said the crash took place about 2.40pm on Saturday. It's understood Mr Webster was near the end of a straight line quarter-mile run when he came off.
Meremere Dragway management said Saturday's incident was the first time that a fatality has occurred at the track since it’s inaugural meeting in Easter 1973.
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