'Sad day': Driver killed in tragic accident in Targa Tasmania race

Riley Morgan

·Sports Reporter

23 April 2021 at 1:04 am·2-min read

Shane Navin (pictured left) with Glenn Evans (pictured right) smiling in their Mazda RX7 during the Targa Great Barrier Reef. — Shane Navin (pictured left) with Glenn Evans (pictured right) in their Mazda RX7. (Image: Targa Tasmania)

New South Wales rally car driver Shane Navin has died after crashing on Day 5 of the Targa Tasmania.

Navin, 68, rolled his 1979 Mazda RX-7 on the Mount Arrowsmith stage of the event at 10am.

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His co-driver, Glenn Evans, was uninjured in the fatal crash.

"This is a very sad time for the Targa community. Shane was a much loved and admired member of our Targa family," Targa Australia CEO Mark Perry said.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to Shane's family and friends on their loss."

Officials have acknowledged a serious crash on Day 5 of Targa Tasmania https://t.co/r4wH05BKoy
— Speedcafe.com (@speedcafe) April 23, 2021

Tragic accident rocks Targa Tasmania

Emergency crews were unable to revive Navin after the crash about 35 kilometres into the Mount Arrowsmith stage of the race.

Friday marked the second-last day of the Targa Tasmania event, which started on April 19.

Police are investigating the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Navin's family and his loved ones at this difficult time," police said in a statement.

The highway has been closed to southbound motorists.

Navin's death is the third fatality in the competitions history with the last coming in 2013.

The tarmac-based rally event has been held in Tasmania every year since 1992.

Please include the family & friends of rally driver Shane Navin, 68, in your prayers after losing his life today doing what he loved: Driving in the Tasmanian Targa Rally. May God carry his soul gently as he receives him into Heaven. 😰
— Lord Reags of Oz (@lord_reags) April 23, 2021

with AAP

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