Sydney’s motorsports community is reeling after the death of an experienced racer, Darren Barlow, during a competition.
Emergency services were called to a motorsports park on Ferrers Rd in Eastern Creek shortly after 8pm on Saturday night following reports a vehicle had crashed during a sanctioned race event.
Paramedics treated the driver, but unfortunately, the 53-year-old died at the scene.
A Respected Figure in Motorsports
Darren Barlow was Motorsport Australia’s NSW state council chair between 2023 and 2025. He was a well-known figure in the motorsports community and had a passion for competing.
In 2019, he took out two wins at the same motorsports park, where he told Motorsport Australia that he loved to compete.
“From a competitor’s point of view, I really enjoy racing in the championships too because of the quality of the entrants competing and I suppose this round I was lucky enough to win after some good battles with Alex Kenny,” Mr Barlow said.
Motorsport Australia’s Response
Motorsport Australia said they had been notified of a fatal incident during a state championship event on Saturday night.
“We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the competitor, and to the officials and first responders at the scene,” Motorsport Australia said in a statement.
They added that their Critical Incident Plan is in action, and staff are working with the NSW Police and the venue following this incident.
RX8 Cup manager Ric Shaw was devastated by the loss of Mr Barlow, saying he’d stood up at the end of the race to go speak with him, but unfortunately, couldn’t see him again.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t see him. I couldn’t speak to him again,” Mr Shaw said, getting choked up.