Ian "Inky" Tulloch, the motorsport identity and a former mayor of Gore, is believed to have been placed in an induced coma following a high-speed crash at Teretonga Park near Invercargill at the weekend.
The 65-year-old is also reported to have been transferred from Southland Hospital to Christchurch Hospital, where he was in a critical condition after the accident.
Veteran broadcaster and motoring journalist Allan Dick said on his Facebook page that Tulloch had been a fantastic competitor over decades of racing in a career that began with stock cars.
"I am sure every motorsport person - and more - wishes him a speedy recovery and our thoughts to to his wife and their family."
A Christchurch Hospital spokesperson said the family had requested privacy.
It is understood Tulloch was racing his Honda Integra when it crashed and hit a tyre wall during a race at Teretonga Park on Sunday afternoon.