Novice drivers to be banned from Aldermaston Raceway

The motor racing circuit is banning novices from competing in destruction derbies after the second crash in a month

A WEST Berkshire motor racing circuit is to ban novices from competing in its destruction derbies after the second crash in a month.

Aldermaston Raceway in Paices Hill, Aldermaston, will take the action after a rookie driver was involved in a head-on collision during a race day on Sunday at about 4.30pm.

The incident happened during a destruction derby, where drivers deliberately ram their vehicles into other cars with the last driver whose vehicle is still operational awarded the victory.

Rookie driver Simon Roberts, who was competing in his first race day, was in collision with the vehicle of James White.

Fire rescue crews from Mortimer and Dee Road, Tilehurst, spent about half an hour freeing Mr Roberts, who suffered a broken nose and a knee injury in the crash.

The 21-year-old was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and was released from hospital on Monday (April 4).

Mr White was also taken to hospital with a broken knee and has also been released from hospital.

The collision follows another crash at the race track on March 6 where the driver involved, Christopher Muspratt, also had to be cut from his vehicle by firefighters (see picture above).

Aldermaston Raceway has confirmed that it will now ban novice drivers from entering destruction derbies and head-on collisions will also be outlawed.