Young stock car driver seriously injured in crash dies

Keir Millar (11) was critically injured at a stock car rally in Lochgelly in Fife. Picture: Facebook

Keir Millar, from Lockerbie, in Dumfries and Galloway, was injured during a race at Lochgelly Raceway in Fife on Saturday evening.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and Keir was transferred to the Victoria Hospital in Fife and then to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Last night Keir’s family asked for space and time to grieve.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland they said: “The family of Keir Millar are extremely distraught at the passing of their son. He was a much loved son and brother and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“The family is requesting privacy at this most difficult time.”

Keir, who came from a famous stock-car racing family, was regarded as one of the “big racing prospects” of the highly-popular sport. He had won numerous junior titles including the Ninja Kart Championship in England last year and took part in the Ministox racing series for ten to 15-year-olds.

Keir, whose father Keith is nicknamed Keith “Mad Max” Millar, often raced against his brother Euan on the track. Euan is known as Mad Max Junior while Keir was called Mad Max Junior Junior.

Hardie Race Promotions (HRP), which operates the Lochgelly Raceway, said it would not be commenting on the incident.

“There are ongoing investigations into the accident and no statement will be issued until their conclusion,” it said.

“The thoughts of all at HRP are with the family at this time.”

Last night Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, whose constituency includes Lochgelly, said: “Clearly this is a tragic situation and all our thoughts and prayers must be with Keir’s family.

“The family and those close to Keir will want to have their privacy respected at this time but in due course there will need to be a consideration of the safety issues around this particular sport.”

Mr Fraser added: “Many in the community who enjoy and support mini stock car racing will be shocked that this incident occurred.”

A race at Lochgelly later this week has been cancelled out of respect to Keir.

One father whose son takes part in the sport and did not want to be named said: “It is really unbelievable news and we don’t know how to take this in.

“Mini-stocks are usually well-protected, with extra bars round them, and the sport is usually well-regulated.

“I’ve never really seen any major incidents and you don’t expect something like this to happen. Everyone gets shocked when something like this happens and it makes you really think.”

Reports over the weekend from the race organisers mistakenly said Keir died from his injuries, prompting tributes on social media.

Mini-stock car racing is aimed at children aged ten-15. Many Formula 1 and 2 racing drivers began their careers this way.

It is based on Formula 1 and 2 stock cars and is regarded as a contact sport.

The cars are strengthened, modified minis which have a fully-welded steel chassis, and heavy bars or armour for protection.