Australian Motorsport Community Mourns Shock Death of Aussie Racing Driver Shane Mann

Australian Motorsport Mourns Loss of Driver Shane Mann
By James Cooney, Senior Sport Reporter
Published: 03:14 BST, 14 September 2025 | Updated: 03:14 BST, 14 September 2025

[IMAGE: Shane Mann in racing gear, smiling. Caption: Shane Mann, remembered as a passionate competitor and beloved family man.]

The Australian motorsport community is grieving the sudden death of Aussie Racing Cars driver Shane Mann, who suffered a fatal medical episode during the AirTouch 500 at The Bend Motorsport Park on Saturday. The 50-year-old, survived by his wife Kelly and children Matilda and Alec, tragically passed away during the event.

Mann’s medical incident occurred off-track, unrelated to the competition. The category’s second race was immediately canceled, and Sunday’s Race 3 honored him with a vacant front row and tribute stickers on all competing cars.

“We’ve lost one of our great drivers,” announcer Matt Naulty said ahead of Race 3. “Our thoughts are with the Mann family. This is a deeply sad day for our tight-knit motorsport community.”

[IMAGE: Cars lined up at The Bend Motorsport Park. Caption: The front row remained empty in Shane Mann’s honor during Race 3.]

Mann, a respected figure in the racing world, had placed 12th in Friday’s qualifying rounds. The Aussie Racing Cars organization shared an emotional tribute on social media, calling him “a husband, father, friend, and smiling face” whose “passion and presence will be deeply missed.”

Velocity Magazine also paid respects, highlighting Mann’s impact: “Our thoughts are with the Mann family and the entire ARC community. Race in peace, Shane.”

[IMAGE: Fans holding tribute signs. Caption: Tributes flooded social media and the race venue.]

The series plans a memorial parade lap and continued tributes in upcoming races. Mann’s legacy as a dedicated competitor and cherished community member leaves a lasting void in Australian motorsport.

— Additional reporting by motorsport organizations and event staff.