MOTOR SPORT: THE motorsport world is in mourning this week following the death of Runcorn navigator Roger Freeman, who was killed in a terrifying accident while competing in the USA's Oregon Trail Rally.

Fifty-two-year-old co-driver Mr Freeman died when a Subaru Impreza driven by Mark Lovell, 43, left the road and struck a tree before coming to rest in a ditch. Both men died instantly in the crash.

Racing was immediately stopped and the stage subsequently cancelled.

Yesterday, Mr Freeman's family, who live in Sandy-moor, were too upset to speak but prominent members of the rallying community queued up to pay tribute to him.

Malcolm Hague, an amateur rally driver, had known the former British champion for more than 20 years.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Freeman's family, he said: 'This is a terrible tragedy, his wife Alison and children are devastated. I had a message on my phone telling me what happened and I couldn't believe it - I didn't want to believe it.

'He was a lovely guy, he loved his family and he was a good friend.

'He will be sadly missed by many people. Roger had a passion for motorsport and loved the adrenaline.

'When I heard about his death, I decided to give up rallying - but I realised that would have been the last thing he would have wanted. He would never have quit.

'He died doing something he loved.

'He was just a great guy with a big love for his family and for his rallying. I will miss him a lot.'

Last year Mr Freeman partnered women's rally champ Natalie Barratt to 22nd spot in the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.

He began racing with Mark Lovell in the 1980s and went on to win the British Open Championship and later the Irish Tarmac.

Three weeks ago, they won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

They were first off the start line at the race on Saturday and widely regarded as one of the best crews in the world.

David Lapworth, principal of the Subaru World Rally Team, with which the pair had renewed their partnership this year, said: 'It was a terrible shock to hear about the deaths of Mark and Roger. Rallying is a tight community and I'd known them both for many years.

'Roger was one of the best in the business. He was popular, cheerful and someone with a gift for getting the best performance from his driver and motivating the team.

'At this sad time, we all wish to pass on our condolences to their families and friends. They'll both be sorely missed.'

Steve Johnson, the president and chief executive of rally organisers the Sports Car Club of America, added: 'Roger Freeman and Mark Lovell were among the best crews in the world, but they were also great competitors as well.

'Our prayers go out to their families and all of their friends and supporters.'