Police, NHRA will study weekend accident
Kalitta, 46, died from multiple injuries after his car went out of control in the fourth round of qualifying Saturday.
"We don't have an update," NHRA spokesman Jerry Archambeault said Monday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "We are going through the process of seeing what occurred and what happened to determine what we can do to make the sport safer, like we have always done in the past."
Archambeault said an outside agency will lead the NHRA's investigation, aided by association officials and team members.
Kalitta's Toyota Solara was travelling at about 300 m.p.h. when it burst into flames and then crashed and exploded seconds later.
The state police fatal accident unit also will investigate the crash, Sgt. Julian Castellanos said.
"We will look at the vehicle, the electronics, the conditions of the track and, in this case, we have the rare chance to study the (video) footage of the accident," said Castellanos, adding that the unit also may examine toxicology results.
The state police investigation is expected to take four to six weeks, Castellanos said.
Michael Napp, the president and co-owner of Raceway Park, did not want to comment on the accident on Monday.
"It is under investigation and we don't want to speculate," Napp said. "We take track safety very seriously.
The Napp family posted a message on the track's website on Monday, calling Saturday a sad day in the world of drag racing.
"Today, everyone who is a drag racing fan is grateful to have been able to watch him compete on drag strips around the country," the Napps said of Kalitta. "His accomplishments and inspiration will forever have shaped the motorsports world."