NHRA driver Scott Kalitta killed in crash in NJ

[Kruz]

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Scott Kalitta died Saturday when his Funny Car crashed and burst into flames during qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

State police confirmed that the 46-year-old Kalitta, a two-time Top Fuel champion who had 18 career victories, was killed in the accident.

Witnesses told The Star-Ledger of Newark that Kalitta's Toyota Solara was traveling at an estimated speed of 300 mph when the crash occurred.

The Palmetto, Fla., resident started his career at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in 1982. His father, Connie Kalitta, was a longtime driver and team owner known as "The Bounty Hunter," and his cousin, Doug Kalitta, also drives competitively.

A sad day in Motorsports.

 

[SouthernN'Proud]

Not a drag racing fan, never have been, but this is sad news. He was a pretty cool dude.

 

[Cerise]

Video of the crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MgcKF2ZGSA

Looks like he hit the wall after the sand pit.

His career-best speed was 333.95 mph down the quarter mile drag strip, with a career-best elapsed time over a quarter mile at 4.455 seconds.

RIP.

 

[Altron]

We were originally going to go to Englishtown last week for Formula Drift, but rain was forecasted so we cancelled.

We were going to go today for the NHRA drag races, but then we realized that tickets are $50 per person, so we decided not to.

Pretty scary...

 

[catocom]