FORMER rowing world champion Carl Smith died after his sports car slid out of control.

Mr Smith was driving at speed on a damp and greasy road before the accident at 1.30pm on New Year's Day. His car hit a road sign and trees.

Police crash investigator PC Colin Hutson told a Nottingham inquest: "This was caused as a result of Mr Smith's manner of driving a very powerful motor car.

"It would have been totally avoidable had Mr Smith released the accelerator pedal."

Instead of slowing down, it is thought Mr Smith tried to control the direction of the TVR 350 he was driving as it lost traction.

He had previously overtaken another driver, who told the inquest the car "twitched" from side to side as it accelerated away from her on the A6097 Epperstone bypass.

It then hit a kerb, which damaged one of the wheels, and went sliding out of control.

It hit a road sign for Lowdham then crashed heavily into some coppiced trees.

Mr Smith was not conscious when the driver behind, Clare Barnett, stopped and went to help him.

She tried to open the door, but the car was severely crushed and firefighters had to cut Mr Smith free.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.15pm.

The inquest was told there was no alcohol in Mr Smith's blood, and his family said he did not drink alcohol.

Notts Coroner Dr Nigel Chapman said: "The car lost control and once he is in a slide there's nothing he can do. Unfortunately he has hit a solid object."

Dr Chapman recorded a verdict of accidental death, and conveyed his sympathy to Mr Smith's family.

Mr Smith, 48, of Jumelles Drive, Calverton, began his rowing career as a cox at Nottingham and Union Rowing Club, aged 12.

He went on to win gold medals at four world championships, including at his home course in Nottingham in 1986.

He was named international rower of the year in 1994 after his fourth world title success.

Mr Smith retired from rowing in 1996, having also won five Henley Royal Regattas and two Commonwealth Games medals during his career.

He was a coach at Nottingham Rowing Club.

Club president Keith Atkinson said Mr Smith was returning home from a training session at the club's base at Trent Side North, West Bridgford, when the accident happened.

Mr Smith is survived by his partner, Ros, and two adult children, Ben and Lydia.