Tributes are pouring in for a racer who died in a crash at the speedway track in Palmerston North on Sunday night.
The incident happened at the Superstock Teams Champs event being held this weekend. Racing for the rest of Sunday evening and Monday was cancelled after the crash.
Stephen Penn, a member of the Manawatū Mustang, has been confirmed as the driver killed in the crash.
A Givealittle set up for his family says the tragic death has left them in disbelief.
"On Sunday Evening, our beloved Dad, Husband, Son, Brother, Uncle & Friend tragically lost his life, doing what he loved at the Robertson Prestige International Speedway," the page says.
"We did not see this coming and it has left everyone broken and in disbelief."
The Givealittle had raised more than $13,000 at the time of writing.
Robertson Prestige International Speedway, the venue where the incident happened, posted a tribute to Penn on Facebook on Monday morning.
"On behalf of the entire speedway community the Robertson Prestige International Speedway family would like to extend its sincere condolences to the whanau and friends of Stephen Penn in this time of tragedy."
"We are all struggling to come to terms with his loss and are thankful to everyone who is supporting and comforting his loved ones at present."
2020 and 2017 sprintcar champion Jamie Larsen described the incident as "terrible news".
"Our thoughts are with the Penn family and friends at this time.
"The whole speedway community is together and this really showed last night on the lap of honour."
Video of the lap of honour posted on Facebook has been watched thousands of times with hundreds leaving their condolences in the comments.
A police spokesperson said WorkSafe has been notified of the incident and police will be investigating on behalf of the Coroner.
