THE motorsport community is mourning the loss of Aussie Racing Cars competitor Shane Mann.
Mann, 50, suffered a medical episode in the support category paddock yesterday at The Bend Motorsport Park, in an incident unrelated to his car.
Aussie Racing Cars Race 2 was consequently cancelled. The front row of the grid for Race 3 this morning was left vacant in Mann’s honour.
“We’re very sad to report we lost one of our great drivers in the field in Shane Mann,” Matt Naulty announced on the broadcast moments before Race 3.
“All of the cars in the field this morning are carrying some tribute stickers.
“There will be a tribute for race number four later on today, a parade lap and the front row will be left still.
“Our thoughts are with the Mann family. A very, very sad day here not just for the category but for our little, tight family that is motorsport.”
Mann had finished 12th in the category’s opening race of the meeting on Friday aboard the #21 Safe Direction Racing Mustang.
Race 4 for Aussie Racing Cars at The Bend is due to start 10:30am local (11am AEST).
V8 Sleuth extends its condolences to Shane’s family and friends.