NHRA’s Scott Kalitta killed in Englishtown
On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Kalitta family.
Scott shared the same passion for drag racing as his legendary father, Connie. He also shared the same desire to win, becoming a two-time series world champion. He left the sport for a period of time, to devote more time to his family, only to be driven to return to the drag strip to regain his championship form.
Scott was a terrific driver and perhaps more importantly a better person and a great father to his two kids. He will be truly missed by the entire NHRA community.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Kathy, sons Corey and Colin, his cousin Doug and his father Connie.
06/22/08 Below is the video of the accident.
06/21/08
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| Scott Kalitta |
Scott Kalitta was fatally injured in a high-speed crash during the NHRA Lucas Oil SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J. The former Top Fuel world champion was competing in the Funny Car division when his Toyota Solara exploded an engine, resulting in a parachute malfunction.
The remnants of the race car then sped towards the sand trap and cleared the catch net.
Kalitta, 46, of Palmetto, Fla., was transported to Old Bridge Township Hospital where he was pronounced dead from multiple injuries.
Kalitta’s first professional start came ironically in 1982 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. His best finish at the track came in 1995 when he finished runner-up.
Ironically Kalitta was in the opposite lane when Top Fuel drivers Blaine Johnson [1995] and Darrell Russell [2004] encountered fatal accidents.
Kalitta is survived by wife Kathy, sons Cory (14) and Colin (9). He was the son of drag racing legend Connie Kalitta and cousin to current Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta.
His death represents the second Funny Car fatality in as many years. Eric Medlen died in April 2007, the result of injuries sustained in a testing accident. Competition Plus