A CHEF was seen speeding ‘like a bat out of hell’ along the A41 near Bicester just seconds before losing control and crashing into a tree, an inquest has heard.

Twenty-nine-year-old Thomas Nelson, from Cholsey, near Wallingford, died at the scene when his souped-up BMW careered off the busy dual carriageway at around 5.30pm on August 10 last year.

An investigation into the crash revealed bumps on the road surface of the southbound carriageway may have caused Mr Nelson to lose control as he drove at speeds in excess of 100mph.

Pedestrian Richard Sage, who was standing at a gated entrance at the road side, was also injured after being struck by the out-of-control sports car - he was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital and later discharged.

Read again: Family tribute to Thomas Nelson, from Wallingford

The inquest, held at Oxfordshire Coroners Court today, heard how Mr Nelson, who had 'a passion for cars', had left Bicester Village at around 5.20pm and drove along the A41 toward junction 9 of the M40.

Oxford Mail:

Motorists recounted seeing the silver BMW 335 race past them on the busy dual carriageway, with one driver describing Mr Nelson's attempts to 'goad him into a race' before speeding off.

Seconds later witnesses described seeing Mr Nelson's car begin to swerve, crashing into a roadside fence and shrubbery before coming to rest on the carriageway facing oncoming traffic.

Witnesses attempted CPR until emergency services arrived, however Mr Nelson died at the scene.

There were no mechanical faults with the car nor was there any trace of drugs or alcohol in Mr Nelson's system.

READ: Residents to discuss A41 danger concerns after fatal crash

Recording a conclusion of death due to road traffic collision, Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter said: "We can’t say for certain but it is reasonable to speculate that the undulations in the road could have been the beginning of the loss of control.

"It sounds like Thomas’s vehicle was his pride and joy - unfortunately, on this occasion there was a misjudgement in terms of the speed he was driving prior to this collision resulting in the loss of control."

Oxfordshire County Council has since installed a road sign on the southbound carriageway warning drivers of an 'uneven surface'.