Police can now release the name of the man who died following a two vehicle crash on State Highway 2, on Saturday, February 24.

He was 55-year-old Brendon Bourne of Tauranga. Police say the two-vehicle crash happened at Tanners Point, between Katikati and Waihi, about 4.50pm.

"Police extend our condolences to his family at this difficult time," says a police spokesperson.

Baypark Speedway have shared a message and photo of Brendon, on their Facebook page:

"We here at Baypark Speedway were very saddened to hear the news that we tragically lost one of our valued team members Brendon Bourne in a car accident last weekend," writes a Baypark Speedway spokesperson.

"Brendon wasn’t just a part of the track prep team, he was also our go-to weatherman with his valuable knowledge from his day-to-day role in the aviation industry.

"Baypark Speedway was his happy place, just like the rest of us."

Baypark Speedway plan to honour Brendon's life, "the speedway way",  at their next meeting on March 9.

Brendon was a great friend to many, his infectious smile and wild sense of humor will be greatly missed," says a Baypark Speedway spokesperson.

"Losing someone from our Speedway family is never easy. Brendon is survived by his two beautiful children, Jakob and Michaila. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very hard time. Rest in peace our friend. We will miss you."

Many others have also posted to social media following Brendon's death on Saturday.

Sprint car champion Rodney Wood says he "was very saddened to receive the news Saturday night of our good friend, Brendon Bourne, whose life was suddenly taken on Saturday.

"Brendon had crewed for me many years ago in Superstocks," says Rodney.

"He always had a cheeky smile. We always had a good laugh and lots of good banter. More recently we would catch up for a coffee and some good chats."

few years back he got Brendan in to the role at Baypark as the water cart driver.

We nicknamed him Waterboy. But he was no boy. He was da man. He will be missed in this role."

Brendon Bourne in February 2023. Photo: Classic Cubs.

Rodney also says Brendon "was very talented and well respected in the aviation industry with his role of training pilots as a Flight Examiner for Civil Aviation Authority NZ and more recently even becoming a JP".

"Being a pilot he would often take arial photos of the track and help with weather predictions.

"We will miss him here at Baypark. And we will miss him as a great friend. We will miss the laughter and his smile. Just seems unbelievable he’s gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jakob, Michaila. And family. Rip brother. Brendon Bourne," says Rodney.

Police say enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.