A STRETCH of forestry track used during national rallying events is to be abandoned after the death of a competitor, an inquest heard.

Driver and navigator Christine Francis, a 45-year-old mother-of-two, died from multiple injuries in an accident last February.

Mrs Francis, of Burythorpe, near Malton, North Yorkshire, was navigating a Subaru driven by her brother, Jeff McNeil, which went out of control and hit a tree during the Kall Kwik Rally, in Dalby Forest, near Pickering.

Mr McNeil, of Sand Hutton, York, told coroner Michael Oakley, at a Scarborough inquest, there had been concerns expressed by other competitors about the stretch of the rally, near Ebberston.

He said the stretch, known as Smalley's Jumps, was unpredictable, with small dips and bumps that could affect the driving of a car.

Spectator Christopher Patchett said in a statement the stretch was quite hazardous and vehicles could reach speeds of between 100mph and 120mph.

The coroner was told that within seconds of the crash, a fire broke out in the engine and repeated attempts were made to extinguish the blaze. Four men tried to open the passenger door to free Mrs Francis, but without success.

Geoffrey Round, chairman of rally organisers the De Lacey Motor Club, said one representation had been made to him by a competitor about the condition of the route.

He had arranged for a sign to be erected to warn drivers on the approach to the bumps.

Mr Round said the Forestry Commission was not keen for the stretch to be used for rallies in the future.

He said: "And neither am I."

The car was defect-free and had been modified to provide additional safety features. Both Mr McNeil and Mrs Francis were wearing headgear and harnesses.

Mr Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.