Harry7239

according to nj.com

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/200...sh_at_old.html

I'm so sorry to hear this... my condolences go out. I'm at a loss for words.

MPRTKLR

I just got home from the track and I saw the whole race and then walked down to the woods and saw the car afterwards. My heart goes out to the Kalitta family. I have been going to Raceway park for 25 years and have seen some horrific crashes but have never seen anything like that. I can only say how sorry I am for the Kalitta family as unfortunately I can recall a few families that have had to go through the same thing over the years.

16Again

Another terrible tragedy. Thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family and friends.

CQRT

NHRA's Scott Kalitta killed in crashBy Associated Press
5:45 PM CDT, June 21, 2008
: ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - 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 two-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.

johnodrake

Very Sad. Wish they had had jet barriers like on Carriers.. Maybe a different outcome. RIP Scott.......

johncbourg

Corvette Chris

I'm really at a loss.

REDGAR

That is absolutely horrible news

2000whitec5

Horrible ....

johncbourg

Terrible

RichS

We just got back from the race. That was a hell of a wreck. When he hit the sand trap there was alot of fire and it went up pretty high. They kept saying there was no news of his conditon untill his family was notified. We had a bad feeling this would be the news. What a shame because he was talking about calling it quits.

RIP

GrandSportC3

REDGAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSn94ZoLlQ0

huskerC5ragtop

Hearing news like this always feels like a punch to the gut. My heart goes out to his family and all his crew. This just shows how dangerous our sport is and how we all must stay vigilant in our safety.

Dan Dlabay

He was a good racer and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

pablocruise

My heart is crushed.

I felt sick, like a kick to the stomach when I saw/heard.

Scotty

efranzen

OMG, how can they possibly race there with a cement wall at the end of the drag strip?

This is horrible news

Ironcross

Connie and I grew up on the Detroit Dragway and he has been a close racing friend of my Dad and I since 1959. I know this will not be a very easy time for him. It will be hard for him to lose his son.

Wally Knoch

MPRTKLR

E-town has one of the longest run-offs in the country. In all honesty, there was nothing that could have saved him. It seems that he never even hit the brakes. I would assume he was un-conscience from the initial explosion and the chutes just disintegrated. He went through those sand traps at 300mph. It didn't matter how long the run-off was. That you tube video posted doesn't really show everything. He went over that barrier, hit the crane arm where they have a camera stationed, and then went into the woods and hit a tree. To put it in perspective, a top fuel racer earlier in the day had his chutes fail and was still able to slow down and make the turn before the sand traps. Scott went through the sand traps at full speed. It is a horrible tragedy and after I walked back from the woods, I passed by the Kalitta trailers and it was just a horrible feeling. They actually roped off both sides so noone could cross for a little while out of respect. RIP Scott

TLewis4095

Very sad....heard it early but did not post. He lived in the same small town as we do & banks at the same bank Emily worked at....my prayers for his sons & wife. Sad day...