Connie Kalitta's son killed in drag racing accident

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

State police confirmed that the 46-year-old Kalitta, a 2-time Top Fuel champion who had 18 career victories, was killed in the accident. Witnesses told The Star-Ledger of Newark that Kalitta's Toyota Solara was traveling at an estimated speed of 300 mph when the crash occurred. 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.

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Such sad news. I was at Englishtown on Friday, and got to see him run.

Wow. I followed NHRA for awhile back in the 90s and saw Scott race a number of times at Englishtown and Reading. Very sad.

Here's Scott on Friday, during first round qualifying for the Funny Car division.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/3...57_Q8TZy-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/3...31_k4dvA-L.jpg

Kalitta hadn't qualified after Friday's two runs (they take the top 16 after 4 qualifying rounds). He crashed at the end of his run during the third round of qualifying today. Ironically, the run was fast enough to get him into the top 16. Final round qualifying was canceled after his death.

2 funny car drivers in two years, Eric Medlen passed last year after crashing during a testing run.
Very sad news indeed.

I saw that wreck on TV yesterday. It was very haunting to see it just go right down the track with no chute or escape hatch pop.