Man charged over alleged Supercars photographer assault

Klynsmith, a regular Motorsport.com contributor, was involved in a physical altercation with Ted Jarvis during last weekend’s Pukekohe Supercars round.

The alleged offender was videoed by another photographer Ben Pilot trying to trip Klynsmith over, before pushing him onto a grass bank, which appeared to knock Klynsmith momentarily unconscious.

Police in New Zealand confirmed today that the matter will be taken to court.

“Police have spoken to a 61-year-old man in relation to an alleged assault at the Pukekohe V8s over the weekend,” read the statement.

“The man has been summonsed to appear in the Pukekohe District Court on Thursday 1 December, on a charge of assault.”

Since the incident, alleged offender Jarvis has lost his position as the president of the Auckland Car Club, something that was confirmed via the club’s social media and website.

“In accordance with the Club’s rules, the Executive Committee of the Auckland Car Club is taking steps to remove Ted Jarvis as President of the Club,” read the club’s website.

MotorSport New Zealand has also spoken out regarding the incident, posting on Facebook that “MotorSport New Zealand is well aware of the regrettable situation which took place at the Pukekohe ITM Auckland SuperSprint Supercars event on Sunday 6 November 2016.

“We do not condone violence of any kind and deeply regret that this incident reflects negatively on the many thousands of hours of hard work dedicated by motorsport volunteers across New Zealand.

“We wish to extend our apologies to Mr Dirk Klynsmith and trust he is recovering from this incident.

“We will not make further comment on this incident at this time.”

Klynsmith, a veteran of the Supercars media scene, made a Facebook statement of his own.

“I would like to take this moment to make a statement following the unfortunate set of circumstances from last Sunday at Pukekohe Raceway,” he wrote.

“The amazing response from everyone is, frankly, overwhelming. From people I don't know, people who know of me through my photography, people I know personally, that I know of, drivers, [and] officials.”