THIS is the shocking moment a drag race driver was killed as his car flipped over a barrier at 200mph.
Dad-of-three Sam Fenech was seconds into the contest in Ipswich, Australia, when he appeared to lose control of his motor.
Horror footage from Willowbank Raceway shows the high-profile driver and his competitor accelerate rapidly at the start of the race.
But just moments in, Fenech's Chevrolet Camaro scrapes the barrier before swerving into his opponent's lane.
It then flies over the safety barrier and hits into a camera tower, smashing the cars into pieces.
Paramedics rushed to Fenech's aid, but he was critically injured and died at the scene.
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He was competing in the Willowbank's New Year Nitro drag racing event when he was killed at 6.45pm local time on Saturday.
A camera operator was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Willowbank Raceway said the incident is now being investigated.
A spokesman said: It is with great sadness that Top Fuel Racing Australia announces that Sam Fenech, driver of the Fabietti Racing Doorslammer, has succumbed to injuries suffered in a racing accident at Willowbank Raceway and passed away this evening,” it said.
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“We send our love and support to the Fenech family and the whole team at Fabietti Racing.”
“The accident is under investigation by QLD Police and other agencies, and as such, there will be no further public comment.”
The event was cancelled after the crash.
Fellow race driver Todd Hazelwood said he was "absolutely lost for words".
He tweeted: "To witness this tragedy at Willowbank Raceway tonight is absolutely heartbreaking.
"My heart goes out to Sam’s family, pitcrew, friends and supporters. Also wishing the cameraman a fast recovery too."
And a fan wrote on social media: "Sam, you lived life on the edge, and you certainly enjoyed life to the fullest.
"Condolences to all your family and friends. One hell of a driver who will be missed. We know the risks and consequences of the sport we enjoy."
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