A 32-year-old rally driver from Mid Wales has died after his car smashed into a tree during a race.

Father-of-one Martyn Lewis, from Kerry, Newtown, died after his Vauxhall Nova rolled and hit a tree during the annual Dukeries Rally in Nottingham at 2.40pm on Saturday, at Harlow Wood, just off the A60, near Mansfield.

Tributes were today paid to Mr Lewis, who was married to Catherine and had a son, Charlie and managed the Severn Fast Fit tyre business on the Dyffryn Industrial Estate in Newtown.

More than 1,400 people have already signed up to a Facebook group set up in memory of Mr Lewis, including his mother-in-law Maureen Evans.

She said today: “Words cannot express how we are feeling at the moment, not only have we lost the best son-in-law anyone could wish for but also a best friend.

“He died doing what he loved, a passionate and talented driver and we hope that Catherine and Charlie can draw some comfort from this.

Smile

“Mart was a devoted husband and a fantastic father. Many people have commented on this site about Martyn’s infectious smile, this smile still lives on every time Charlie smiles.

“God bless and rest in peace.”

Callum Black, who created the group and was a friend of Mr Lewis, said he was a “truly inspirational” driver who raced with passion and commitment.

“Martyn was never without his beaming smile, in whatever situation, winning or losing,” he added.

“I loved his company, always laughing and joking. He will be missed by so many, but never forgotten.”

Mr Lewis had been competing with his brother, Richard, who was also in the car and taken to hospital for a check up.

Bob Draper, clerk of the course, said: “Our thoughts are with Martyn’s family at this time, and I think it is because accidents of this magnitude in rallying are so rare that everyone involved is so upset.

“The emergency services were on the scene very quickly but there was nothing that could be done for him.”

A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said the incident had been passed to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation.

By Andrew Morris