Driver escapes in 100 miles an hour crash at British Empire trophy races . Wel Handley had an amazing escape , from death , when driving Freddie Dixon ' s Riley in the 250 mile British Empire Trophy Race at Donington Park , Derby . A few minutes after taking over from Dixon Handley overshot a corner when traveling at 100 miles per hour . The car left the road road , hit a low obstruction and leaping in the air overturned . It righted itself and then turned over and over , to finish up a smoking wreck . Handley was dragged from the driving seat practically unhurt . Wal Handley is renowned as a motor cyclist . Photo shows , the start . 4 April 1936