Looe racing driver Ian Connell has had his championship hopes in the Le Mans Motorsport competition jeopardised, due to an accident involving his son Richard, who was driving the SPAR Alfa Romeo, which is used by both of them, and is now a write-off.
Ian scored his hat trick in the SPAR sponsored vehicle with a lights to flag victory in round three of the championship at Mallory Park on Easter Sunday, which put him ahead in the points table.
However, on the same day, 21 year old Richard was lucky to escape with just bruising in a horrendous accident that caused the rest of the race meeting to be abandoned, due to circuit barrier damage.
Richard was in fourth place overall and had just taken the lead in his class when two cars in front tangled on the straight.
One hit the wall and then rebounded directly into his path.
In the ensuing pile up the SPAR Alfa Romeo was totally wrecked, but fortunately for Richard he was effectively protected by the roll cage.
He was given the all clear after being taken to Leicester Hospital for X-rays and checks.
The car is not repairable but Ian will be back on the grid on Monday, May 7 at Castle Combe in a hastily arranged replacement car to try and protect his championship lead. Ian is pictured right near his home in Looe.