AN experienced former speedway and sidecar racer from Fordingbridge died after losing control of his motorbike on the wrong side of the road and hitting a car, an inquest heard.

Kenneth Spreadbury, 62, died from the severity of his injuries after colliding with a red Ford Fiesta at Charlton-All-Saints on the A338.

Salisbury Coroners Court heard Mr Spreadbury’s Yamaha R1 was destroyed in the impact.

Christopher Mitchell was driving in front of Mr Spreadbury in his Ford Mustang.

He said: “The bike followed me at a safe distance for about 10 minutes, I got the impression that the motorbike was not in a hurry.

“When he did overtake, there was plenty of space.”

Mr Spreadbury pulled out to overtake the car, and according to witnesses, there was “time to move back in safely”.

But he remained on the opposite side of the road, with the Fiesta fast approaching.

Mr Mitchell said: “The bike began to wobble, and it moved violently from side to side.

“The rider lost control of the machine, it happened so quickly.”

Simon Ringer was following the Fiesta.

He said: “The red car suddenly swerved hard left and a lot of smoke came up and there was a huge bang.

“Something went flying in the air which I thought was a wheel but on closer look, it was a man.”

Edward Parr was driving with his wife in the Ford Fiesta involved in the collision.

He said: “When I hit the bike it was like an explosion, the next thing I remember was the seatbelt being very tight across my chest.”

Mr Parr needed help to get out of the vehicle.

Tyson Jones was travelling up to 100 metres behind Mr Spreadbury’s Yamaha.

He said: “As the bike moved out, it did so into another car. I remember shouting 'no, no' as I could see what was about to happen.”

Senior Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon David Ridley said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends.”

Mr Spreadbury’s son Shaun said his father would be “lovingly and sadly missed”.