Crawley Driver ‘Lucky To Be Alive’ After High-Speed Crash

(c) Charlie Hand

A racing driver from Crawley says he is fortunate to have escaped serious injury after a dramatic crash left him unconscious during a race last month.

Charlie Hand was competing at Donington Park in the Mini Challenge in April when a three-car collision saw him suffer concussion.

He lost consciousness inside the car before being treated trackside by medical teams during the televised event.

The 30-year-old has since praised the swift response of marshals and medics, describing their actions as crucial in ensuring his safety.

Attention has now turned to getting both driver and car ready to return to action at Brands Hatch on 9 and 10 May.

The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage in the crash, leaving a major repair job ahead of the next race weekend.

As a privateer, Hand operates without the resources of larger teams, meaning a small crew has been working intensively to get the car back on track in time.

Despite the severity of the incident, he is expected to make a recovery, with preparations focused on a return at his home circuit.

Away from racing, Hand works at Brands Hatch helping to train young drivers, alongside his day job as a window fitter.