Coimbatore, Aug 29 (IANS): A rider from Bangalore, Syed Irfan, succumbed to injuries late Thursday night after a head-on crash with the safety amco barrier during a practice session ahead of the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Drag Racing Championship at the Kari Motor Speedway here.

The incident occurred when Irfan, who had taken part in similar events in the past, reportedly did not slow down the Yamaha 135 racing bike he was riding at the end of the straight and ploughed into the safety barrier.

"He was given trauma care immediately and rushed to the hospital within five minutes of the incident. At the hospital, the doctors tried in vain for a few hours to revive Irfan, but could not. He passed away late Thursday night," J. Balamurugan, the event's Clerk-of-the-Course, told IANS.

"According to the marshal who was at the scene of the incident, Irfan did not decelerate after crossing the finish line and crashed straight into the safety barrier. He did not suffer any head injury as he was wearing helmet as per safety requirements. He suffered injury to abdomen and wrist.

"As a mark of respect, we cancelled Friday's programme and as per the revised schedule, the first round will be run Saturday and the second Sunday," Balamurugan said.

Spitfire Motorsports who organised the event in association with Speedway Motorsports (Hyderabad) decided to cancel the event in the wake of the tragedy.

"Irfan's family was very co-operative though they were shocked by the incident. We the organisers offered all possible support, including handling the Police, post-mortem and dispatch of the body to Bangalore," Balamurugan said.