A veteran drag racer died when his car veered off-track at nearly 250 kilometres an hour crashing into a concrete barrier

A Coroner's report's been released into Craig Smith's death at Christchurch's Ruapuna Raceway in October 2021.

Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale found the 54-year-old's car likely veered off-track due to a low-mounted braking parachute and strong crosswinds.

The Drag Racing Association has made changes since his death - introducing new rules for parachutes and harnesses.

Borrowdale has commended this, but is encouraging them to consider further safety changes.