KEY POINTS:
A teenager was still fighting for her life in Auckland City Hospital last night after a flying motorcycle hit her in the head at a motocross event on Sunday.
Elaina Gentile, 16, from Pakuranga, had been competing in a motocross event but was standing behind the track at Ardmore Motocross Park when the out-of-control motorcycle hit her about 12.45pm on Sunday.
Her parents and brother were nearby.
Witnesses said the rider of the motorcycle, competing in the veterans race, landed badly after a jump, lost his grip on the handlebars and was thrown off the back of his bike.
The bike sped on, hitting a stack of tyres, and flew into the air. The underside of the motorcycle which covers the engine compartment is believed to have hit Elaina at full force.
She had competed in one race before the accident and was still in her riding gear, except for her helmet, when she was hit.
Witnesses said her mother, Margaret, tried desperately to push her out of the way but the motorcycle was moving too fast and there was no time.
Elaina was knocked unconscious to the ground on the grass behind the track with blood pouring from her head. St John Ambulance staff took her to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition and she was later transferred to Auckland City Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Her condition last night was listed as critical and causing concern.
The feeling of many witnesses the Herald spoke to was that Elaina got caught up in a "freak accident".
Many were shocked and saddened.
Motocross organiser John Cobb said he had not seen a spectator injured in the 25 years the Ardmore track had been operating.
He told the Herald Elaina was a "cautious, safe rider" who rode in events each week with her father, Tony. She had performed well at a school students' motocross event at the track last month.
Warnings about track safety are on signs around the park with the words: "Motorcycle racing can be dangerous. You are here at your own risk."
Police serious crash unit staff are investigating the accident but say the outcome will depend on Elaina's progress.
