A north rally crash that killed a spectator happened less than three minutes after the event had been stopped, an inquiry was told.
Skye woman Joy Robson, 50, died at the 2013 Snowman Rally.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry in Edinburgh is examining the circumstances surrounding her death and a separate triple tragedy at a rally in the Scottish Borders a year later.
During evidence yesterday, it emerged that a safety plan to stop the rally had been called for and put into action minutes before the crash.
Deputy Clerk of the course Ian Campbell, 52, gave evidence to the inquiry, saying: “The Snowman suffers most with the number of spectators who come to watch it.
“It’s a very busy event. It depends upon the weather on the morning of the rally. Die hard fans will come to the race regardless of the conditions.
“However, people who’ve started following the sport in recent years may decide to go if the weather is fine.”
Mr Campbell also told the inquiry he was concerned about overhanging trees and the width of the road. It meant that spectators could not move back because of the trees. “I suggested it would be better to put spectators somewhere which was more open. To spread the load away from area 16”.
Mark Stewart QC for the Highland Car Club, pointed out that some people had walked a considerable distance up a hill, despite the programme telling them there was a shorter walk. The marshall, David Smart, he said, had encouraged people to go to a sensible position further up the track. One young boy was seen filming the cars, but despite repeated requests to move did not. Other spectators also ignored pleas to move away from the area. Mr Stewart commented: “They were stubborn, overly confident. They were not for moving”.
The rules for rallies had changed since 2013, he said, but at that time the Snowman Rally was run on the best practice of the Motor Sports Association. “That’s right” said Mr Campbell. “To the letter”.
The Safety Plan had operated as it should have. At 10.28 minutes and 37 seconds there had been a call to stop the rally and at 10.29 and 23 seconds the rally was stopped. The actual crash took place at 10.32 minutes and three minutes later the crash was reported. Within less than one minute medical assistance was requested and within 30 seconds was dispatched. All this in the middle of a forest said Mr Stewart.
The inquiry continues.