Motorcylicst critically injured at race event

Shaun Harris was transported by helicopter to Christchurch Hospital. Photo / Kirsten Sudbury / Mad Love Media

A motorcyclist fighting for his life after a racing crash in Timaru today is Shaun Harris, who in 2007 nearly died after a racing incident.

Emergency services were called to the Timaru International Motor Raceway, commonly known as Levels Raceway, about 11.45am.

Harris was transported by helicopter to Christchurch Hospital, where he this afternoon remained in a critical condition in intensive care, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The raceway is hosting the New Zealand Superbike Championships this weekend.

Event organisers the South Canterbury Motorcycle Club have so far declined to comment, as has Motorcycling New Zealand.

In 2007, Harris suffered life-threatening injuries during the 2007 1000cc Superstock TT race in the Isle of Man.

He hit a barrier in the accident, sustaining multiple breaks in both legs, a badly-broken pelvis, two broken arms, broken ribs and a compressed fracture of his vertebra. He also lost four teeth, IOM Today reported at the time.

Harris has won multiple New Zealand championships and other titles.