At an inquest looking into the death of a Port Erin Sprint Competitor, the court has heard the Autocycle Union would not have certified the track. John Owen, 61, from Wales died after crashing in August 2004. An experienced Track inspector from the ACU said the length of the run off area should be 50 per cent of the 220-yard course. Edward Nelson also said he would have added more protection in the form of straw bails to the sea wall. The course was certified by the International organisation of Professional drivers.The organiser of the Port Erin Sprint, Trevor Duckworth from West Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but any possible charge or prosecution was dropped last year. Today a verdict of misadventure was recorded. Picture: Port Erin, scene of the sprint meeting