SYDNEY -- One of Australia's most promising young road racers, Liam McGee, was killed in a high-speed crash during qualifying for the third round of the Australian superbike championship.

Motorcycling Australia chief executive officer David White said the 19-year-old McGee died when he crashed his bike during Saturday's qualifying session.

McGee, the nephew of former 500cc Grand Prix winner Kevin McGee, was thrown from his high-powered machine at the fastest part of the Mallala circuit in South Australia.

Despite attempts by ambulance crews to revive him, McGee died at the scene, with his father by his side.

"Liam had an enormous future ahead of him and this tragedy affects us all," White told reporters on Sunday.

"He was an exceptional rider and his loss will leave a void in the motorcycle racing community."