NHRA driver Kalitta killed in horrific crash

[MaineDem]

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

The NHRA said the 46-year-old Kalitta - the 1994 and 1995 Top Fuel season champion who had 18 career victories, 17 in Top Fuel and one in Funny Car - was taken to the Old Bridge division of Raritan Bay Medical Center, where he died a short time later.

Kalitta's Toyota Solara was traveling at about 300 mph when it burst into flames.

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.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CAR_NHRA_DRIVER_KILLED?SITE=MEPOP&SECTION=MONEY_COMPLETE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

I think Beau Bridges played his father in "Heart Like a Wheel", the story of Shirley Muldowney.

My condolences to his family.

[90-percent]

1. Terrible Tragedy

The nitro cars are inventing even more new ways to kill their drivers.

Scott was a racer's racer and this is a terrible loss to the entire drag racing community.

From all the online tributes I've read from fans and other racers, the thread running through them all was Scott's generosity.

-90% Jimmy

[bigwillq]

2. That was awful.

A scary sight to watch.