Coroner Condemns Police for Destroying Critical Evidence in Speedway Driver's Fatal Crash

A coronial inquiry into the tragic death of speedway driver Stephen Penn in 2022 has revealed a shocking oversight: the police disposed of the driver’s helmet and hybrid restraint without proper inspection, leaving key evidence missing that could have shed light on the cause of the fatal crash.

Coroner Heidi Wrigley, in her findings, expressed deep concern over the loss of critical evidence, stating that the helmet and hybrid restraint, both essential safety gear, were “destroyed without carefully inspecting it” and “disposed of inadvertently” after being taken from the scene. This lack of evidence has made it impossible to determine whether a failure in the safety equipment contributed to Penn’s death.

Stephen Penn, who was representing the Manawatū Mustangs at the 2022 SuperStock Team Champs in Palmerston North, died in his vehicle after a collision with another competitor’s car, which sent his car into the outer concrete wall of the racetrack. An emergency response team arrived quickly, but Penn succumbed to a blunt force head injury within minutes of the crash.

Despite the thorough safety checks that 59P, Penn’s car, underwent before the race, the coroner noted that the scrutineering certificate did not confirm whether Penn’s helmet and other safety gear were inspected. This raises serious questions about the adequacy of pre-race safety procedures in motorsport.

Inspector Ross Grantham of the New Zealand Police defended the decision to dispose of the helmet, stating that it was no longer necessary for evidential purposes after the coroner had requested and received photographs of the helmet. However, he admitted that the police were not given the opportunity to explain the decision to the coroner before the findings were released.

Speedway New Zealand (SNZ) acknowledged the tragedy and stated that while they strive to maximize safety, it is not possible to eliminate all risk in a sport as inherently dangerous as speedway. The organization also emphasized that they had taken all reasonable and practicable precautions on the day of the crash.

Penn’s family, who have been vocal in their support for the sport, expressed relief that the coroner ruled the accident a “tragic freak accident.” They emphasized that safety had always been Stephen’s top priority and that his death should not deter others from participating in the sport.

The speedway community has rallied around the Penn family, with over $96,000 in donations raised through a Givealittle page. The family has thanked the community for their support, noting that the outpouring of love and solidarity has helped them through the difficult time.

The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the need for more rigorous safety checks and better handling of evidence in motorsport-related investigations. As the sport continues, the legacy of Stephen Penn lives on through the community and the ongoing efforts to honor his memory.