Scott Kalitta Tribute

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.

Comments

Gail Plesea (Jun 24, 2008)

My son-in-law drives a "front engine nostalgic dragster" & I pray for him every night that he is racing. I cannot imagine the pain that this family is going through. All I can do is give my "sympathy and prayers" to the Kalitta Family. Please know that he is watching over all of you, and left you, doing what he "loved" to do. Peace be in your hearts, as he would want that.

Walsh D (Jun 24, 2008)

These are very sad times for Scott's family. Our hearts our with them.