Former NHRA world champ Kalitta succumbs to injuries in accident

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Former NHRA world champ Kalitta succumbs to injuries in accident

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Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died June 21 from multiple injuries suffered after his car went out of control and crashed in a high-speed racing accident at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park during the fourth and final round of qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals. Kalitta was extracted from his car by NHRA emergency services officials and transported to Old Bridge Township Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Kalitta, a two-time NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel champion and one of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to earn victories in both premier nitro categories, earned 18 victories during his career, his last coming in Chicago in 2005 in Top Fuel.

Kalitta earned most of his racing success in Top Fuel, where he claimed back-to-back world championship titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired from racing in 1997, sitting out most of two seasons before returning for a 10-race campaign in 1999. He sat out three more seasons following that brief stint and then returned again in 2003, joining cousin Doug as a second driver for the family's two Top Fuel dragsters.

Kalitta started his pro career in Top Fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to Funny Car in 1986 for his first full season of competition. He returned to that category full time in 2006. He posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Chicago, his 36th career NHRA final-round appearance.

Kalitta is survived by his father, legendary NHRA racer and team owner Connie Kalitta; wife, Kathy; and sons, Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.

Here's the footage. I could only stand to watch it once:

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[darcy]

my husband always followed Connie's career,,, very* sad to learn of his son's death

[Executioner]

Sad indeed. I used to watch drag racing in the 70's, but after my first, I vowed never to sit at the end of the raceway. At 300mph, you simply don't have enough time to move if something was to happen. At the start line, I've seen top ends of motors blow right off right in front of me. And the noise! Nothing like seeing 3000 hp machines only 20 feet away.

[Key Keeper]

Sad indeed. I watched him at the NHRA nationals this year. Kenny B and John F collided @ over 300 mpg that day. Funny cars are far more dangerous than "rail car" top fuel.