A Pride of Britain nominee was killed in a motorcycle crash while trying to break a 200mph speed record and overrun the runway at an airport, an inquest has heard.
Martin McConnell, 58, reached speeds of 186mph on a half-mile straight, but came off his turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa as he tore through the long grass and scrub at the end of the tarmac.
Paramedics were with him within moments, but the father-of-three died at the scene in front of spectators at the event, called Terminal Velocity.
Norfolk Coroner's Court heard how the army veteran, who had previously reached speeds of 250mph at another airfield, told friends this would be his last year of racing after a decade in the sport.
A friend, Stephen Chambers, told the inquest: 'He believed the record was within his reach but was also aware that the breaking distance [on the runway] was less than he was used to.'
Mr McConnell was taking part in the exciting event at Tibenham Airfield near Diss in Norfolk on July 23, 2023, when he was seen 'flying' off his 1,300cc bike.
Another friend, Darren Rose, told the inquest in Norwich: 'Martin had experience of racing and getting up to speed.
Martin McConnell, 58, reached speeds of 186mph on a half-mile straight, but came off his turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa as he tore through the long grass and scrub at the end of the tarmac
Norfolk Coroner's Court heard how the army veteran, who had previously reached speeds of 250mph at another airfield, told friends this would be his last year of racing after a decade in the sport
Paramedics were with him within moments, but the father-of-three died at the scene in front of spectators at the event, called Terminal Velocity.
“On the morning of the 23rd he said he wanted to try to set a speed record with two people, so he was making plans for future events.”
Mr McConnell, who had served in the Royal Corps of Transport, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after a tour of Iraq.
He founded a fundraising group called ExForces PTSD and regularly participated in fundraising challenges.
In 2018 he was nominated as Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards after raising £33,000 for Holidays for Heroes Jersey.
He had met a new partner, Sharon Woodward-Baker, a few months before his death and had recently moved from London to Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.
She said: “He loved racing and was enthusiastic about the event. It has been a very difficult time since I lost him, but I am so grateful for the time we spent together.”
Mr McConnell's son James said his father was the happiest he had ever been after moving.
In a Facebook tribute at the time of his death, James added: 'None of this seems real, but we all know the risks we take when we compete in motorcycle racing.
Mr McConnell, who had served in the Royal Corps of Transport, suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after a tour of Iraq
'Unfortunately, today is a day I never saw coming. We lost my father Martin McConnell in a high-speed crash at Tibenham Airfield.
“I'm at a loss for words right now. I'm sure he died smiling and doing what he loved. RIP Dad, I will never forget you. The memories we have will live on in our hearts forever.”
Kryssie Chittenden of Suzuki Turbo Racing, which provided team support to Mr McConnell, described him as “the friendliest person you will ever meet”.
She added in a Facebook post after his death: “You will never meet another man like him. Just before his crash he was smiling and (in) the most delightful moods, as the photo will show.
'I'm still in shock and can't believe he's gone. I expected to find him at the end of the runway smiling but in a little pain as he sat on the grass, but unfortunately it was far from that.”
Mr Rose, Mr McConnell's crew chief for the event, added at the time: 'We are both lost right now, that someone so larger than life and who has worked so hard and given so much to others , has been so cruel. taken from us all.
'It is especially devastating to know how much Martin has changed his life over the past year and how happy he was with the way things were going in all areas of his life.
“Martin's racing was one of his ways to cope with his PTSD while raising money and awareness for other veterans suffering from the same condition.
Mr McConnell's son James said his father was the happiest he had ever been after moving to Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.
“His loss is immeasurable and we are completely devastated and heartbroken to have lost a member of our racing family and a man we were so proud to call our friend.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Martin's partner Sharon, his family and all his friends for his loss.
'We all know the risks associated with cycling and speeding, but it doesn't make it any easier when someone is so cruelly ripped away from you.
'Rest in peace Martin, knowing that you have made a huge difference in so many lives and are so loved by so many.'
The Terminal Velocity Events website said take-off and landing days were organized to give people “the opportunity to drive your car as quickly as possible within a safe, secure and, above all, legal environment.”
The investigation continues.
