Coroner finds parachute malfunction likely caused fatal drag racing crash

Wednesday 23 July 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 23 Jul 2025, 1:15pm

In this story Mary-Anne Borrowdale

A coroner has found that a parachute malfunction and crosswinds likely caused the 2021 death of drag racer Craig Smith. Smith died after his car veered off-track at nearly 250km/h and hit a concrete wall during a practice run at Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch.

How they headlined it

8h

5am1:15pm

1. NZ HeraldWed 23 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Ruapuna drag racer Craig Smith killed after parachute deployment caused crash at 250km/h, coroner finds (opens in new tab)

2. StuffWed 23 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Drag racer’s death likely caused by parachute malfunction, crosswinds - coroner (opens in new tab)

3. RNZWed 23 Jul 2025, 5:00am

   Drag racing car's parachute may have contributed to fatal crash - coroner (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesWed 23 Jul 2025, 1:15pm

   Parachute may have contributed to fatal drag race crash (opens in new tab)