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-   -   NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today (http://forums.webrats.com/showthread.php?t=143707)

joerockhead 06-21-2008 10:02 PM
NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
This sucks, he was a good man and a great driver. I am saddened by this news.


Quote:
Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died Saturday 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 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 fulltime 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.

fmb 06-21-2008 10:30 PM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
These things are tough, especially with the children. I didn't know this accident happened today; I haven't spent the day in front of the television.

I haven't seen any race footage, but with a car capable of speeds over 330 mph, the old math formula with force, mass, and velocity has severe consequences.

facepeeler 06-22-2008 12:35 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
my mom said that he was making a run, and his car exploded and went into a catch wall at the end of the strip. That sucks, it wasn't that long ago that John Force was carried away from his car on a stretcher, into a helicopter. I remember seeing that one.

hirollcenter 06-22-2008 01:23 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
The speeds go up but the slow down areas stay the same. The sand trap was to short to stop the car. NHRA needs to take some safety education from F1 and NASCAR. Sad day for the family.

fmb 06-22-2008 01:29 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
hirollcenter: my local quarter mile track can't host top fuel anymore because the shutdown area can't be expanded. Having said that, there is lots of room for the expansion of safety in the drag racing world!

licupssy 06-22-2008 02:37 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by facepeeler
my mom said that he was making a run, and his car exploded and went into a catch wall at the end of the strip. That sucks, it wasn't that long ago that John Force was carried away from his car on a stretcher, into a helicopter. I remember seeing that one.

They showed it on the local news here. He's going along and the car burst into flames and then blows up all to hell when he hit the wall.

YaMon 06-22-2008 08:30 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
:nopics:

rjsincs 06-22-2008 10:42 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 


what a shame

joerockhead 06-22-2008 10:47 AM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
I saw the video last night on ESPN, and it is just as shocking now as it was last night.
Yes, the Sand trap was too short.
Sadly, due to the motor blowing up, the parachute did not open properly.
And then hitting the wall, the remainder of the fuel exploded.
NHRA WILL review all this and have a solution. They are very fast to react. But sadly a couple of young boys will be with out a father. 8 and 14.
However, the Racing family they have from the other teams will provide as much support as they need.

YaMon 06-22-2008 12:29 PM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rjsincs
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What a drag.

canu 06-22-2008 02:33 PM
Re: NHRA Driver Scott Kalitta died today
 
Sad day for NHRA our thoughts go out to the family.


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