Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the subsequent death of Nolan Jansen.

Police spokesperson Joey Jeevan said the crash happened at about 22:00 near Makro.

"Initial investigations at the scene have established that the deceased - who reportedly was driving a quad bike - attempted to overtake a vehicle and collided (with) an oncoming car.

"He sustained severe injuries to the head and body," said Jeevan.

Eyewitnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Jansen had been drag racing against a bakkie.

One of the witnesses said they had crossed the finish line and when coming back towards the starting point, Jansen tried to overtake the bakkie and collided with an oncoming car.

Jansen had not been wearing a helmet.

They said the illegal motor races were being held on Thursday and Sunday nights.

Jansen's father, Nichol, said his son had a passion for cars and loved drag racing.

Chair of the Msunduzi Drag Racing Association, Michael Chetty, said there was a demand for drag racing in the city, but there was no track allocated for legal racing.

"We have tried to get a track from the Msunduzi Municipality for over five years, but to this day we have not received an answer.

"Youngsters will continue to use every opportunity they get to show off their cars.

"This means that they will do it illegally. If we had a track it would be safer because paramedics would be on standby and they can also be educated on how to ensure that their cars are roadworthy," said Chetty.

Submitted on 07/14/2008

Submitted by: Battlegoose
Reference: News24 (S.Africa) 8July http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2353522,00.html

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
In the end this is just another car accident caused by the stupidity of a driver. There's nothing here that really stands out as exceptional. Thanks just the same.

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Car accidents are common, but what gets me is: 1) the quad bike. Who drag races a car on a quad bike? 2) The race was OVER. There was no reason for him to overtake his opponent except a overblown sense of competitiveness. 3) Since apparently he and others had been doing this for a while, he knew darn well not to take off his helmet until he was off his bike. And what REALLY gets me is this Michael Chetty guy, using the accident to claim that all that was needed was a legal track and the associated accourtements. Doesn't he know you can legislate stupidity? Thanks, BG!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award

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