Fitness firm boss Zef Eisenberg killed in crash trying to break 207mph land speed record

2 October 2020, 11:48 | Updated: 2 October 2020, 12:36

Fitness firm founder Zef Eisenberg was killed in the crash
Fitness firm founder Zef Eisenberg was killed in the crash. Picture: @MADMAXraceteam
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

TV presenter Zef Eisenberg has been identified as the driver who was killed trying to break the British land speed at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Eisenberg ran the Madmax Race Team, which attempts speed records with motorbikes and cars. He is also the founder of fitness firm Maximuscle.

The crash happened at the same airfield where former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond crashed in 2006.

Mr Eisenberg had previously been involved in a 230mph crash at the same airfield in 2016.

The circumstances surrounding his death will be subject to a full investigation.

North Yorkshire Police said: "Shortly after 4.30pm on 1 October 2020 police were called to a serious vehicle incident at Elvington Airfield near York.

"The incident occurred during a British Land Speed record attempt and the driver, 47 year-old Zef Eisenberg tragically died at the scene.

"Officers attended with the ambulance service and an investigation is ongoing.

"Please respect the family's privacy at this time."

A Motorsport UK spokesman said: "Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available.

"Our thoughts are with the driver's family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present."

Motorsport UK said that it was working with the event organiser and North Yorkshire Police on the investigation.

Richard Hammond, 50, was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.

The privately-owned venue, which is an active airfield, is also a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes for professional organisations.