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Young motor racer killed

09:14, 20 July 2009

updated: 09:14, 20 July 2009

Henry Surtees signing autographs yesterday
Henry Surtees signing autographs yesterday

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The teenage son of racing legend John Surtees has been killed in a crash during a motor race.

Henry Surtees, 18, who began his career karting at Buckmore Park in Chatham, was driving in a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch yesterday.

He was hit on the head by the loose wheel of another car, which had spun into a wall.

His father is the only man to have been world champion in both F1 and motorcycling.

Henry (pictured above, left, signing autographs yesterday) had his first drive at Buckmore Park at eight and was a regular visitor to the circuit.

The father and son became friends with Lewis Hamilton - a few years old than Henry - when both became involved in racing at the track.

A spokesman for Buckmore Park said today: "The directors and staff of Buckmore Park Karting Limited wish to send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Henry Surtees who was tragically killed in an accident during a race at Brands Hatch.

"Henry was the son of John Surtees OBE, a long time supporter of Buckmore Park Circuit and our thoughts are with John and his wife Jane, and the rest of the Surtees family at this terrible time.
"As a mark of respect all our circuit flags are being lowered to half mast and all events will be preceded by a minute's silence.

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