Driver killed in crash at New Jersey raceway OLD BRIDGE, N.J. A drag racing driver ran through a net at the end of a track and died of head injuries in a crash during a qualifying round at the NHRA SuperNationals at a New Jersey raceway Friday, state police said. The driver, whose name has not been released, crashed at Raceway Park in Old Bridge, N.J., Sgt. Stephen Jones said. According to the organizer's website, Sportsman qualifying was under way at the time of the accident. The incident comes nearly two years after top racer Scott Kalitta died when his Funny Car burst into flames and crashed at the end of the track in central New Jersey.
Neil Parker driver of the EXCAVATOR alky funny car died when his chutes did not open during his run ...He ran a career best e.t.Speed was 249 and change
That incident was one of the primary reasons NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car classes are now only running 1000 ft. races. Too many sanctioned strips lack space for adequate safety devices and obstacle-free runout areas beyond the normal shutdown areas to handle the speeds that T/F and F/C cars are running.
Really not the same at all. Scott's engine exploded causing one of the worst wrecks ever seen. Neil's chutes didn't deploy after a very normal pass.
The Jalopy Journal
