Car crashes in annual Tasmania rally race

Tasmania Police described the crash as a "serious incident", with emergency services on the scene. No other vehicles were involved.

Organisers have cancelled a planned meet and greet event in Launceston at short notice.

Competitors Shane Navin, Leigh Mundy and Dennis Neagle lost their lives during last year's event, prompting an investigatory tribunal to be established.

It made 23 recommendations for future tarmac rally events, including speed limits, altering stages year-by-year to avoid complacency and a tiered licensing system.

In total, five Targa Tasmania competitors have died during the Tasmanian event's 30-year history.

The 2022 edition of the tarmac rally is due to run for six days from Launceston to Hobart, with a record 500 cars taking part.