Aussie Racing Cars driver Shane Mann dies after medical episode at The Bend

Aussie Racing Cars competitor Shane Mann has died after suffering a medical episode while at The Bend Motorsport Park during the AirTouch 500 on Saturday, organisers and colleagues said. The 50-year-old’s medical incident was reported to be unrelated to his car.

Race officials cancelled the category's second race following the emergency and, ahead of Sunday's Race 3, the front row of the grid was left vacant as a mark of respect. Announcer Matt Naulty addressed the field before Race 3, saying: "We're very sad to report we lost one of our great drivers in the field in Shane Mann. All of the cars in the field this morning are carrying some tribute stickers. There will be a tribute for race number four later on today, a parade lap and the front row will be left still. Our thoughts are with the Mann family. A very, very sad day here not just for the category but for our little, tight family that is motorsport."

Mann is survived by his wife, Kelly, and his children, Matilda and Alec. Organisers and fellow competitors expressed shock and offered condolences to the family and the wider Aussie Racing Cars community. Aussie Racing Cars posted a tribute on social media, describing Mann as "not just a competitor, he was a husband, father, friend and smiling face" whose "passion and presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him."

Velocity magazine, which has covered the category for years, also issued condolences, noting the impact on families and colleagues and passing on thoughts to the Mann family and the broader ARC community. On Friday, Mann had recorded a 12th-place finish, according to the series' results for the event.

Race organisers said emergency services responded to the incident at The Bend and that medical personnel attended at the scene. The series adjusted its schedule in the immediate aftermath, cancelling one race and altering the grid and activities for the remainder of the weekend to allow competitors and supporters to pay tribute.

The death has drawn reactions from across Australian motorsport, where clubs and competitors often form close-knit networks through regional series such as Aussie Racing Cars. The category, known for its compact, fast touring-car-style machines, paused normal competition routines to observe tributes and to support Mann's family.

Officials did not release further medical details pending notification of next of kin and any subsequent statements from the family. The series indicated it would continue with planned commemorative activities during the meeting and offered support services to competitors and staff affected by the loss.

Mann's passing is the latest in a string of moments that have prompted motorsport groups to review on-track and off-track medical and safety provisions; organisers said they would cooperate with any inquiries and reviews following the incident. For now, the immediate focus at The Bend and within the Aussie Racing Cars community is on mourning and supporting those close to Mann while completing the remainder of the race meeting with tributes in his honour.