VIDEO: Drag Racer Scott Kalitta Dies in Drag Car Crash

Two-time Top Fuel World Champion, Scott Kalitta, died at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals on June 21, 2008.

The first half of the run was normal until Kalitt'a Toyota Solara funny car burst into flames at approximately 300mph. The fire had prevented the parachutes for deploying, and the vehicle went into a tumble coming to rest at the end of the track.


The NHRA released the following statement:

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 dragstrip 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.