Driving race cars is an extremely dangerous activity.
Two drivers, Shawn Rayner and Steve Dear, were killed as a result of a collision that occurred in the Loco 2 Stages rally. This unfortunate event took place at the Bramley Camp in Hampshire, England.
According to BBC News, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman made the following statement:
"As this is a private event, on private land, officers are assisting the event organizers as their investigations into the circumstances of the collision get under way.
"We can confirm that the two people in the car died as a result of the collision.
"Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers."
Driver who competed in Donegal and co-driver killed in rally accident - https://t.co/euBzFqVNV2
— Donegal Daily (@DonegalDaily) December 30, 2017
The governing body which oversees UK motorsports, the Motor Sport Association (MSA), also issued a statement regarding the incident.
"The Motor Sports Association (MSA) regrets that two competitors have lost their lives as the result of an accident on the Loco 2 Stages rally today (29 December 2017)."
"The Loco 2 Stages is a single-venue stage rally held at Bramley Camp in Hampshire.
"The competitors who have tragically died were the driver and co-driver of one car. Their next of kin have been informed.
"As with all serious incidents in or around UK motorsport, the MSA is now working with the event-organizing club and the police to establish precisely what happened on this occasion.
"The MSA sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased crew.
"The MSA will be making no further statement at this time."
As you might expect, members of the racing community have expressed their condolences to the families of both deceased drivers.
Can't believe what I'm hearing today from the Loco 2 stages. Two formidable rally competitors, and two larger-than-life characters who will be truly missed.
Very best wishes to both families, and to the organisers who I hear did an inspired job in tough circumstances.
— Paul Woodford (@PaulWoodford84) December 29, 2017
A sad day for motorsport today, absolutely awful to hear the loss of Shawn Rayner and Steve Dear at The Loco 2 Stages Rally. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of them both, from Chris, Keith and the Chris West Racing Team.
— Chris West Racing (@ChrisWestRacing) December 29, 2017
Devastated to hear the awful news from the Loco 2 Stages; our thoughts and sincere condolences are with all those affected. RIP.
— RallyCaptures (@Rally_Captures) December 29, 2017