The father of an eight-year-old girl who died after a drag racing crash at Perth Motorplex has posted a heartbroken message after an accident that has rocked the WA dragster community.

Key points: Anita Board died in hospital a day after crashing at the end of a "licensing pass"

Anita Board died in hospital a day after crashing at the end of a "licensing pass" Her dad says he is heartbroken and has urged parents to "hug their littlies tight"

Her dad says he is heartbroken and has urged parents to "hug their littlies tight" Drag racing authorities have defended safety rules for junior dragsters

Anita Board was taking her junior dragster for what police called a "test run" at the venue in Kwinana Beach about 12:20pm on Saturday when she hit a concrete barrier at the end of the run.

She was taken to Rockingham Hospital before being transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital in a critical condition but passed away the following day.

In a post to the West Coast Junior Dragster Association Facebook page on behalf of his family, Ian Board said all parents should "hug their littlies tight" after the accident that had left the family devastated.

Anita Board was hurt when her 210cc dragster hit a concrete barrier at the end of a run. ( Facebook: Ian Board )

"Not much to say. But hug your littles tight," he wrote.

"Remind them that you love them. We will need … the love and support in the days weeks months ahead.

"We know the racing family are the best bunch ever … The reason why our girls fell in love with the sport is the wonderful people not just the driving."

The post followed another on the family's Facebook page in the early hours of Sunday morning after Anita's death was confirmed, where Mr Board wrote that "my heart [is] in a million pieces".

Helmets put out for Anita

Tributes have been paid to Anita on social media, where many people have put out their helmets as a show of support and love for the Board family, posting pictures under the hashtag #helmetsoutforanita.

People have put out their helmets and posted pictures on Facebook under the hashtag #helmetsoutforanita. ( Facebook: Georgia McSweeney )

Many Facebook users have also added a picture of the My Little Pony character that adorned Anita's 'Pony Power' drag car to their profile.

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"RIP Anita u were a gorgeous girl taken too soon," one person wrote on Facebook.

"I don't know why she was taken so young, but at least it was doing something she loved," a friend said.

"See you at the finish line beautiful," another person wrote.

Many of those involved in the drag racing community have rallied around Anita's family.

"The whole of the West Aussie drag racing community's thoughts and love is with you guys," one person said.

"I assure you it will be from every team that we will all be racing with a heavy heart at the next meeting," another wrote.

A WA Police spokeswoman said Mandurah detectives were investigating the accident and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Worksafe was notified about the crash but a spokeswoman said after making inquiries with police and the Motorplex, there was nothing to suggest the incident was a workplace issue.

A picture posted by Justine Brown under the #helmetsoutforanita hashtag. ( Facebook: Justine Brown )

Crash during licensing pass

Anita was listed on a Motorplex program of events as an entrant in the Goldenstates championships, driving a 210cc dragster.

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The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) said she was undergoing a "licencing pass" as part of the process for her to obtain her racing licence.

ANDRA said it was "deeply saddened" at Anita's passing and said her family was in its thoughts and prayers.

"Everyone at [ANDRA] extends their sincere and deepest condolences to Anita's family, friends and the wider drag racing community at this tragic time," a spokeswoman said.

"ANDRA will continue to work with [Motorplex operator] VenuesWest and continue to assist police with their investigations while supporting Anita's family."

According to ANDRA, a junior driver must be a minimum of eight years old to obtain a competition licence.

In that class, they can reach speeds of 96 kilometres per hour during a race.

"Junior racers must adhere to stringent safety rules and regulations regarding safety equipment, and their dragsters must meet specific safety requirements," the ANDRA spokeswoman said.

"ANDRA regulations for junior competition are benchmarked against similar organisations internationally.

"ANDRA will also launch its own internal audit of the incident once the process has been completed."

Acting Premier Roger Cook today extended his sympathy to her family and friends, but said it was "extraordinary" an eight-year-old child could drive drag racing cars at speeds of up to 96 kilometres an hour.

He said the Government would wait for the outcome of a coronial inquiry but would consider all safety aspects of the junior sport, including the age limit.

"I think we need to look at the full range of safety measures that are in place," he said.

"We can't wrap our kids up in cotton wool, but we do need to make sure we are protecting them and that they aren't taking unnecessary risks."