A tragic video recently captured the fatal crash of an Irish rally car driver.
The video showed driver Craig Breen’s car sliding out of control before leaving the track and crashing into a wooden fence.
“Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally,” the company said in a statement on Facebook following the driver’s death.
The statement also revealed that Breen’s car included a co-driver at the time named James Fulton. Fulton was unharmed in the accident.
“Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time. Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans,” it added.
Breen competed in 81 races, winning the WRC Academy in 2011 and the SWRC in 2012. He also competed for M-Sport Ford and Citroen in addition to his sponsorship with Hyundai Motorsports.
The well-known racer also competed in rallycross in 2019, competing in five events in the Titans RX Europe series.
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His family offered words of tribute online following Breen’s passing, according to Irish Mirro.
“It is with great sadness that the Breen family announce the tragic passing of the talented and much adored rally driver Craig Breen — doing what he loved most,” the family’s tribute said. “Treasured son of Jackie and Ray, he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken sister Kellie, brother-in-law Darragh and his godson Bobbie, along with his extended family, cherished friends and all his motorsport family.”
The family’s tribute also cited the quote, “The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”
Breen’s family members reported flew from Ireland to Croatia following the tragic racing accident.
The crash took place just one week after sprint car driver Justin Owens died in a qualifying run at the United States Auto Club (USAC) AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship.
Owens, 26, crashed into the wall of the track with his car flipping several times in the fatal accident.
“Justin Owen, a sprint car competitor for more than a decade, succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash during Saturday’s USAC @AMSOILIN National Sprint Car event at @BurgSpeedway. USAC send its deepest condolences to his family & friends,” USAC Racing said in a statement.
