K.E. Kumar, a noted and well-respected racer, died on Sunday in hospital following a crash in the second round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit, here. He was 59.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The incident occurred when Kumar's car came in contact with that of a competitor during the saloon cars race this morning. The car slid across the track and landed on the roof after slamming into a fence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The race was immediately stopped (red flag). Within minutes, Kumar was extricated from the wreckage and transferred into an ambulance before being shifted to a nearby hospital after a preliminary examination at the track's Medical Centre. Despite the best efforts of the hospital's doctors, he succumbed to his injuries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It is a most unfortunate incident. Kumar was an experienced racer. I have known him for several decades as a friend and competitor. The MMSC and entire racing fraternity mourn his passing away and convey heartfelt condolences to his family," said the Chairman of the Meet Vicky Chandhok, in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chandhok added that the national governing body for the sport FMSCI and the organisers, MMSC, have launched an investigation into the incident.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, as a mark of respect to Kumar, who was a life member of MMSC, the remainder of the day's schedule was cancelled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chandhok added that the national governing body for the sport FMSCI and the organisers, MMSC, have launched an investigation into the incident.<\/p>\r\n\r\n