Scott Kalitta
- 46 years old
- Born Feb 18, 1962
- Died Jun 21, 2008
- Englishtown, New Jersey, United States
About
Race Tragedy
Scott Kalitta died Saturday when his National Hot Rod Association Funny Car burst into flames and crashed at the end of the track during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J.
The NHRA said the 46-year-old Kalitta - the 1994 and 1995 Top Fuel season champion who had 18 career victories, 17 in Top Fuel and one in Funny Car - was taken to the Old Bridge division of Raritan Bay Medical Center, where he died a short time later.
Kalitta's Toyota Solara was traveling at about 300 mph when it burst into flames.
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.
Kalitta is survived by his father, wife Kathy and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.
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My Memory
George (Jul 20, 2008)
When I was younger....
Dean Girard (Jul 20, 2008)
My Memory
Shawn and Jelynn (Jul 20, 2008)
I remember the first time that I introduced drag racing to my daughter who was only 18 months old at the time; she was in awe at the bright colored fast cars and became a drag racing fan like her dad. Scott Kallita the first and fastest car that day and my daughters favorite driver. Thank you Scott Kallita for giving a dad and daughter a moment to share and enjoy great racing by a gentleman and great diver.