Scott Kalitta Killed in Drag Racing Accident

46 year old Scott Kalitta was killed yesterday when his DHL sponsored funny car dragster crashed. Kalitta is the son of racing legend Conrad "Connie" Kalitta.

The senior Kalitta also owns Kalitta Air , the all cargo airline. Kalitta Air lost a B747-200 in a crash in Belgium on May 25th, 2008.

Condolences to the Kalitta family on this tragedy.  This has been a very hard month.

clipped from www.southernledger.com Scott Kalitta died Saturday when his Funny Car crashed and burst into flames during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. 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 Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, where he died a short time later. 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. Scott Kalitta is survived by wife Kathy and sons Corey and Colin.

Add Freightdawg.com to your social bookmarks!

Comments

[Sasha Green]

God speed Scott. My condolences to the family, friends, sponsors and fans. I was watching the qualifying highlights on Saturday afternoon...it was a horrifying accident.

As an occasional amateur racer myself, it's a scary to see incidents like this but I completely understand the racer's mindset...the focus, determination and often, irreverence that allows someone to flourish in motorsports.

I wasn't aware of his connection to Kalitta Air. Thanks for the additional detail.

RIP.