Highly experienced historic racer Denis Welch succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident in the Pre '66 Grand Prix cars race in his Lotus 18.

Welch ran a successful motorsport parts business and was synonymous with preparing very quick Austin Healey competition cars.

Official Statement:It is with great regret that the organisers of the Silverstone Classic have to report that, following an accident in a race for HGPCA pre-66 Grand Prix Cars today, Sunday 27th July, the driver of car number 19, Denis Welch, succumbed to his injuries later in the circuit’s Medical Centre.

The event organisers, the race organisation, and the circuit’s medical and emergency services, will all now be co-operating with the Police and the MSA, the UK official motor sport governing body, to conduct a full investigation.

All those involved in the event offer sincere condolences to family and the friends of Denis Welch at this very sad time.