A STOCK car driver has died following a crash witnessed by his eight-year-old son.
Steve Newman (37), of Town Drove, Quadring, died after his car hit the central reservation during the early stages of the Saloon British Final at Mildenhall, Suffolk, on Saturday evening.
His cousin Andi was competing in the same race and was one of the first on the scene.
Steve’s stepmum, Cheryl Pitts, said: “Andi actually tried to get him out of the car. We know he was trapped for quite a long time and had to be cut out.”
Race organisers say Steve’s car rolled and somersaulted over, leaving other cars no option but to hit the upturned vehicle.
The mother of Steve’s two children and his ex-wife Kelly said telling Billy (8) and six-year-old Charley that Daddy had gone to heaven was the hardest thing she had ever done, particularly on Father’s Day.
But she said stock car racing was Steve’s life, adding: “It was the way he would have wanted to go if he had the choice. He would not have wanted it any other way.”
Kelly and Steve split after six years of marriage four years ago but remained in close contact because of the children.
She said: “Billy loves racing as much as Steve and he was standing right in front of the crash when it happened.
“The first I knew was when a friend rang in tears. I just knew what had happened. I said ‘he’s dead isn’t he?’
“Billy knew Daddy had been taken away in an ambulance but I wanted to be the one to tell him the awful news.
“They have cried and asked lots of questions. Billy said ‘I just want my Daddy back’. We are just taking it minute by minute but they are obviously very upset.”
Kelly and Billy have talked to Steve’s dad’s Mick since the accident to make preliminary funeral arrangements.
Although times are yet to be confirmed it is likely to be held at Gosberton Church on Monday, July 2.
Billy intends to make his dad proud and give him the best possible send off by arranging a procession of fellow stock car drivers to the church and leading the procession himself in a miniature version of Steve’s car.
Kelly said: “Judging by the amount of people who have contacted me already, the funeral is going to be huge.”
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