Biker died on Snetterton race track

A keen biker died after losing control of his motorcycle and swerving into barriers at Snetterton race track, an inquest heard yesterday.

A keen biker died after losing control of his motorcycle and swerving into barriers at Snetterton race track, an inquest heard yesterday.

Richard Slater, from Rainhill in Merseyside, was 49 when he died from head injuries sustained in the crash at an endurance racing event on August 19 last year.

He was killed shortly after crossing the finish line and entering the high-speed Riches corner at the first practice event of the day at about 9.15am.

Mr Slater's partner left the room while CCTV footage from the trackside was played, showing fellow rider Nicholas Matthews overtaking Mr Slater's bike on the outside shortly after crossing the start/finish line.

The video showed that he then moved back over to the inside to take a racing line, moving directly in front of Mr Slater's bike at the approach to Riches corner, the first right-hand turn of the track.

Mr Slater appeared to lose control, braking violently and swerving to the right before coming off the track and crashing into the steel safety barrier.

Breckland District Council health and safety officer Leigh Chant said the impact happened within seconds of Mr Slater losing control because of how fast he was travelling.

The inquest continues today.