R.I.P. Scott Kalitta

nitrojoe726

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Jan 24, 2008
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Well I dont now about you guys but i am A huge Nhra fan, Well today we had another tragedy in the world of drag racing Scott Kalitta Pasted away this morning during his final qualifying run.My hearts goes out to his family rest in peace Scott Kalitta
R.I.P. Darrell Russell
R.I.P Eric Medlen
R.I.P Blaine Johnson

Nhra's story

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.
 
I saw Scott Kalitta race about a month ago at the Southern Nationals. I've been around drag racing practically all my life. Scott's father Connie is a legend in racing for his innovation and accomplishments. I saw the news about Scott and was just stunned. Even though he died doing what he loved, I can't imagine the pain his family is dealing with. The NHRA is different than any other group involved in racing. Teams often help each other by sharing mechanics, equipment, and technology. It is indeed a family atmosphere. I can only hope that the NHRA makes changes to minimize the risk to the drivers in the future much as Nascar did after Dale Sr. died.

and today the NHRA will honor Scott Kalitta the best way they know how...the show will go on and they will race!
 
Really sad. Rip Scott.

Robert Hight, who is one of my favorite drivers, and his team did Scott right though in finals.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vvcu9ne9zMI

Hopefully, like when Eric died, a lot of good will come of this. Tracks like these, the ones made in the 50's-60's for 200 mph cars, need to be redesigned.
 
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