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ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Scott Kalitta died Saturday when his 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.

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.

Chip Ganassi's NASCAR team struggling to get up to speed
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 had most of his racing success in top fuel, highlighted by his series titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired from racing in 1997, sitting out most of two seasons before returning for a 10-race campaign in 1999. He sat out three more seasons after that brief stint and then returned in 2003.

Kalitta started his professional career in top fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to funny cars in 1986 for his first full season of competition. He returned to that category full time in 2006.

One of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to win in both premier nitro categories, Kalitta's last win came in Chicago in 2005 in top fuel. He was second two weeks ago in Chicago, his 36th career NHRA final-round appearance.

He is survived by his father; wife, Kathy; and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.

From the Associated Press
June 22, 2008
Los Angeles Times

Tags: NHRA Racing Crash Scott Kalitta

I found this interesting article on the Nascar website today.  They really were the greatest.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Dale Earnhardt and Johnny Cash on Thursday were honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as two of the greatest American icons ever. Meant to perpetuate the legacies of both men, "The Man in Black" program provides music fans and race supporters the ultimate historical crossroad between country music and NASCAR.
A black No. 3 racecar with Earnhardt's famous paint scheme was unveiled with Cash and Earnhardt's names and likenesses on the sides and hood of the car. The "Man in Black" car, the first in a multi-year series that will perpetuate the legacy of Earnhardt by teaming him up with other iconic American personalities, puts one of the most influential American musicians on the hood of the car of NASCAR's most respected driver of all-time.
Earnhardt is remembered by fans for his highly aggressive driving style and down-to-earth, blue-collar personality. Known throughout his career as The Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt also was synonymous with the color black earning him the nickname once reserved for Cash -- The Man in Black.

A Grammy Award-winning country singer/songwriter, Cash is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of country music's most beloved personalities. Cash, known for his deep, distinctive voice, rugged persona, intimidating personality and dark clothing, has drawn a lot of comparisons to Earnhardt during the course of the last several decades. Cash was always known, and is remembered today, as a rugged, tough, no nonsense icon -- very similar to how Earnhardt's fans remember the seven-time Cup Series champion.

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/05/man.in.black/index.html
BY OFFICIAL RELEASE
JUNE 5, 2008

Tags: Johnny Cash Dale Earnhardt Nascar Men In Black

Ashley Force became the first female FC winnner this weekend at the 28th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.  Ashley won the NHRA Funny Car title.  She beat out her father John Force in the final round.  She had the second quickest time of the day. 

“There are a lot of mixed emotions,” John Force said before the final. “I turn off the switch. If I win, that’s great but if she wins, that’s something really special, too. I’m just going to go out there and let my car do what it does.”

Ashley Force said after the race, “It’s an exciting time, you know, with Danica winning. There are a lot of women in a lot of different motor sports and we’re getting our practice, we’re getting our experience and we’re making our way toward those wins. It’s a good week for women and it’s exciting for the fans to finally have a woman winner in Funny Car, but I know that it’s the 10 guys on my team who got me to this point. I would never be here without them and without ‘Guido’ (crew chief Dean Antonelli) and Ron (assistant crew chief Ron Douglas). I’m proud to be a female in the seat but it’s those guys who got me here.”

The quotes are taken from the NHRA Drag Racing website.

Tags: Ashley Force Ashley Force Drag Racing

Jimmie Johnson won last weeks Race at the Phoenix International Raceway.  Great job Jimmie!!!!!

Tags: Nascar Racing Subway Fresh

This weekends race The Aaron's 499 will be on Sunday, the 27th at the Talladega Superspeedway.  The race will start at 1:00 pm.  I will let you know who wins this race.  

Tags: Nascar Racing Talladega