Family watched race champ die
Darley, 28 – a former Australian liter car champion who swapped to sprint car racing about four seasons ago – was killed when he lost control of his 800-horsepower sprint car during Saturday night's event.
He was one of the front cars in the 21-lap qualifying CT Main race when his Maxim sprint car veered off the track while he was negotiating a left hand bend about 8.45pm.
The car became airborne before landing on its side and crashing into a concrete wall.
Among the 2000 spectators watching the race was Darley's father Bruce.
Darley's fiancée Belinda Loudoun – the daughter of prominent Sydney sprint car racer and Darley's teammate Ian Loudoun – was also believed to have been trackside.
Darley and Ms Loudoun announced their engagement this year. They were due to marry on February 21 next year.
A family friend said Ms Loudoun "was a bit of a mess" and was yesterday being comforted by family and friends.
The race was stopped and emergency services workers at the raceway tried to save Darley.
Darley, from Baulkham Hills, was trapped in his car. He was freed by firefighters but died at the scene.
All other racing was suspended for the night.
Police are reviewing video footage of the crash. It is believed the throttle on Darley's car may have became stuck in the open position, which would have meant the experienced racer had no control of the speed of the vehicle as it entered the turn. More at Courier Mail