A MOTOR racing driver is recovering after crashing his classic car during a race at the weekend.

Nigel Corner, 35, from Leyburn, in North Yorkshire, told hospital staff he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from family, friends and the emergency services, since his high-speed crash on Sunday.

Mr Corner suffered a broken shoulder and cracked ribs during the accident at the Goodwood Revival meeting near Chichester, West Sussex.

He was racing a 1960 Ferrari Dino when it collided with another car.

He was taken to St Richard's Hospital, in Chichester, where he is recovering.

Mr Corner was too ill to speak to The Northern Echo yesterday, but a hospital spokeswoman said last night: "I spoke to Mr Corner this morning and he says he's comfortable.

"He's got a few aches and pains, but he's completely overwhelmed by the support and kindness everybody has shown him, including family and friends."

Mr Corner started racing in 1986 in the Formula Ford category and began racing historic cars shortly afterwards.

He won the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1998 and 1999, and in 1992 he was the winner of the British Racing Drivers Club Nigel Moores Trophy for the leading private entrant in international motor sport.

Rob Widdows, spokesman for the Goodwood circuit, said Mr Corner was a well-respected and popular driver.

He said: "The accident could have been very serious, but he escaped with remarkably few injuries.

"I've heard that he's already been asking when the car will be ready to get back in."

Mr Corner's father, Neil, a director with Croxdale company Ness Furniture, was also a well-known motor racing driver.

The family has travelled to Chichester to help Mr Corner through his ordeal