Father-of-two Shane Mann, 50, died after suffering a medical episode in the support paddock of the AirTouch 500 at The Bend Motorsport Park yesterday.

Mann was a driver in the Aussie Racing Cars category.

The incident was unrelated to his car.

Aussie Racing Cars race two was cancelled after Mann’s death.

His beloved number 21 car led the grid on its formation lap earlier today.

The front row of the grid for race three was left vacant in Mann’s honour too.

The tight-knit Australian racing community is feeling the impact of Mann’s sudden death.

Mann has been described as a “true racer at heart” in a statement shared by Aussie Racing Cars.

“Shane wasn’t just a competitor, he was a husband, father, friend and smiling face,” the statement reads.

“His passion and presence will be deeply missed.”