Scott Kalitta
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Scott Kalitta
NHRA driver Kalitta dies in crash
2 hours, 30 minutes ago
ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY (TICKER)—Scott Kalitta, one of NHRA’s top drivers, was killed in fiery crash Saturday. He was 46.
Kalitta was killed when his Funny Car crashed and burst into flames during qualifying for the LUCAS Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
A two-time Fuel champion who had 18 victories, Kalitta’s car was traveling at around 300 miles per hour when the engine of his Toyota Solara exploded into flames. The car hit a sand trap, then vaulted over a protective fence.
The NHRA released a statement on his passing.
“On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Kalitta family,” the statement read. “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.”
2 hours, 30 minutes ago
ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY (TICKER)—Scott Kalitta, one of NHRA’s top drivers, was killed in fiery crash Saturday. He was 46.
Kalitta was killed when his Funny Car crashed and burst into flames during qualifying for the LUCAS Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
A two-time Fuel champion who had 18 victories, Kalitta’s car was traveling at around 300 miles per hour when the engine of his Toyota Solara exploded into flames. The car hit a sand trap, then vaulted over a protective fence.
The NHRA released a statement on his passing.
“On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Kalitta family,” the statement read. “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.”
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
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CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
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From: Newburgh NY
Saw it when I got home tonight. Was thinking of going down tomorrow to the races depending on the weather. Don't feel like it now. Big bummer.
There are so many safety devices yet stuff can still happen.
There are so many safety devices yet stuff can still happen.
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Michael S. Palmer
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Joined: Jun 2005
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2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Grand Haven MI
Met him and his Dad.......
I lived in Grand Rapids, Mi. from 1982 to 2003. When Scott first started under Dad's guidance I remember him coming to Martin 131 Dragway. Later (once I decided to get a career) I became a Paramedic in G.R. and met Connie and Scott as there Aviation Biz flew medical flights for the sick and injured. They were both very personable, and they "Thanked Me" for what "I" do for people. Connie told me, "You make a difference out there." Remember that day like it was yesterday. This is such a loss. He was a good man! I am still in shock.
My prayers go out for Connie, and the two little boys that lost their Dad.
My prayers go out for Connie, and the two little boys that lost their Dad.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 91
Was there Friday and Saturday. Left Saturday after the first pro run. The heat was too much.
In the first run earlier that day, Scotts parachute opened as soon as he left the start. He didn't do well on Friday's 2 runs, so that 2nd run on Saturday was his last chance to qualify.
These guys amaze me with there dedication to the profession, and appreciation for us, the fans. Alot of those guys ran quite well on Friday, being a cooler day. The announcer even mentioned he didn't expect to see some of them on Saturday, knowing the times would be way down in the heat.
They ALL ran in the first set. Waiting to stage, sitting in that blistering heat in those fire suits, for what seems to be forever, for that 4-5 second run. For some, knowing there was no way they would make better time then the night before? Why bother???
why? For the fans! They put on this show we have come to expect, and in our enjoyment ,we sometimes fail to remember the danger of what they do. I know I do at times.
My heart goes out to his family. I come away with a greater respect and appreciation for what they do.
R.I.P.
In the first run earlier that day, Scotts parachute opened as soon as he left the start. He didn't do well on Friday's 2 runs, so that 2nd run on Saturday was his last chance to qualify.
These guys amaze me with there dedication to the profession, and appreciation for us, the fans. Alot of those guys ran quite well on Friday, being a cooler day. The announcer even mentioned he didn't expect to see some of them on Saturday, knowing the times would be way down in the heat.
They ALL ran in the first set. Waiting to stage, sitting in that blistering heat in those fire suits, for what seems to be forever, for that 4-5 second run. For some, knowing there was no way they would make better time then the night before? Why bother???
why? For the fans! They put on this show we have come to expect, and in our enjoyment ,we sometimes fail to remember the danger of what they do. I know I do at times.
My heart goes out to his family. I come away with a greater respect and appreciation for what they do.
R.I.P.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I was there also..........here's a shot I took of him doing his burnout a few seconds before the crash. The place was pretty somber after the crash, they didn't say anything over the PA about him, it made everyone suspicious I think that something terrible happened.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I would like to offer my condolences to the Kalita family as well. It amazes me how emotional I can get when a racer (whom I have never met) loses his life doing something he loves to do and i love to watch. Very sad.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
I would like to offer my condolences to the Kalita family as well. It amazes me how emotional I can get when a racer (whom I have never met) loses his life doing something he loves to do and i love to watch. Very sad.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 259
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento CA
It didn't look like much braking was going on. We don't know if that was because of mechanical failure or because of a blower fragment through the chest. I think the sport does a reasonable job at providing a safe environment for participants and spectators.
We have lost track after track over the years and I'm not sure that making a 2 mile run out area for a 1/4 mile run is going to help expand the sport. We know that a front engine configuration is not the safest and these "Funny Cars" are far removed from their beginnings. We all know the risk we take.
Michael Delaney: This isn't just a thousand to one shot. This is a professional bloodsport. And it can happen to you. And then it can happen to you again.
Lisa Belgetti: When people risk their lives, shouldn't it be for something very important?
Michael Delaney: Well, it better be.
Lisa Belgetti: But what is so important about driving faster than anyone else?
Michael Delaney: Lotta people go through life doing things badly. Racing's important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.
We have lost track after track over the years and I'm not sure that making a 2 mile run out area for a 1/4 mile run is going to help expand the sport. We know that a front engine configuration is not the safest and these "Funny Cars" are far removed from their beginnings. We all know the risk we take.
Michael Delaney: This isn't just a thousand to one shot. This is a professional bloodsport. And it can happen to you. And then it can happen to you again.
Lisa Belgetti: When people risk their lives, shouldn't it be for something very important?
Michael Delaney: Well, it better be.
Lisa Belgetti: But what is so important about driving faster than anyone else?
Michael Delaney: Lotta people go through life doing things badly. Racing's important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I would like to offer my condolences to the Kalita family as well. It amazes me how emotional I can get when a racer (whom I have never met) loses his life doing something he loves to do and i love to watch. Very sad.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
I also am going to critized the NHRA. Hopefully they will force these track owners to lengthen the runout area. I know Scott's chute was out (but not very functional), but I don't think he deployed it. If the runout area had been sufficient to stop a 300 mph car he certainly would have stood a better chance at surviving this wreck. The damn wall at the end took away any chance he had of survival.
I think it was Jim Head they were interviewing yesterday who said these places were designed in the 50's and for cars traveling a max of 300 mph.........there's a REAL big difference between that and 330 mph. He advocates making the tracks shorter..around 1000 ft I think he said...for places that can't be extended and had good reasons to support that.
Watching the finals last night on TV is sure seemes like these guys are struggling to get these cars stopped if there's any kind of an issue.
