DRAG team racing manger Mike Ellis has died of a heart attack.

The Culcheth father-of-four died on Saturday at Santa Pod, Bedford - home of drag racing.

Mr. Ellis, 52, of Eden Avenue, had made a special impact on the sport he took up only a few years ago. In a raffle competition he offered the prize of a drive in his Capri, giving drag enthusiasts the chance to taste the sport.

He won a Thunderball event in April and was manager of rookie drivers after the Rookie Racers team was established.

A spokesperson for Santa Pod Race Track said: "Mike was full of enthusiasm and was a rare breed of racer. He will be sadly missed and our sincerest condolences go to his wife Pauline and the family."

He will be buried in Newchurch Parish Churchyard on Friday.

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