Man knocked out by tyre at motorsport event

Chris Mallet said he was knocked out after being hit by the tyre at Foxhall Stadium

A man was left with serious head injuries after he was hit by a car tyre during a motorsport event.

Chris Mallet, 50, from Ipswich, attended Foxhall Stadium in nearby Kesgrave on Monday to watch the Hot Rod racing.

During the fourth race, a tyre broke off one of the cars and flew over safety rails before hitting Mr Mallet.

He was left with head injuries and taken to hospital via ambulance.

Warning: This story contains a photo some people may find distressing

"It's difficult for me to recollect too much of the incident itself but the first three races went well," Mr Mallet said.

He said the tyre hit him on the head and struck another member of his party, hurting her arm.

"All I can recollect is coming around 45 minutes later covered in blood with people holding blankets around me," he said

'A whole lot worse'

Mr Mallet said he felt "complete confusion" when he came round.

He was told what had happened by an off-duty paramedic from the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service, who first came to his aid.

"Even more worryingly, my 15-year-old daughter was sat next to me and my sons and their girlfriends were all sat around me as well," he added.

"I fear that had I not took it, things could have been a whole lot worse and we could have been talking about something completely different."

Mr Mallet said his skull had to be "glued back together" after the incident.

Mr Mallet said he had experienced a lot of dizziness following the incident

He is currently off work and unable to drive, but said his sons and daughter had been looking after him.

While Mr Mallet himself has not had any contact with Spedeworth Motorsports, which runs Foxhall Stadium, a member of his party has.

"They have offered us refunds and VIP tickets but as a family we are not setting foot back in Foxhall Stadium again after that incident," he said.

"The safety fence is there for a reason and I understand motorsport can be dangerous... but I was surrounded by children. This could have been far, far worse."

Spedeworth Motorsports has been approached for comment.