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RIP Scott Kalitta

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Old Jun 21, 2008 | 09:38 PM
  #1  
dandhcomputers's Avatar
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Joined: 10-05-2007
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From: Port Arthur Texas
RIP Scott Kalitta

It is with a heavy heart that I make this post. Scott Kalitta was killed in a horrific crash today. For those who have not seen the video that has been on ESPN all day...it is now on youtube.

We will miss you Scott...and thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DziJdGwFQjU

Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died Saturday from multiple injuries suffered after his car went out of control and crashed in a high-speed racing accident at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park during the fourth and final round of qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals.

Kalitta was extracted from his car by NHRA emergency services officials and transported to Old Bridge Township Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Kalitta, a two-time NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel champion and one of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to earn victories in both premier nitro categories, earned 18 victories during his career, his last coming in Chicago in 2005 in Top Fuel.

Kalitta earned most of his racing success in Top Fuel, where he claimed back-to-back world championship 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 following that brief stint and then returned again in 2003, joining cousin Doug as a second driver for the family's two Top Fuel dragsters.

Kalitta started his pro career in Top Fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to Funny Car in 1986 for his first full-season of competition. He returned to that category fulltime in 2006. He posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Chicago, his 36th career NHRA final round appearance.

Kalitta is survived by his father, legendary NHRA racer and team owner Connie Kalitta; wife, Kathy; and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8.
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 09:48 PM
  #2  
Jeff®'s Avatar
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Joined: 06-02-2008
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From: Fairport Harbor, OH
Rip.
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 09:59 PM
  #3  
hhrcrafty's Avatar
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From: The Show-Me State
Well, if you ever wanted to know what nitromethane looks like when it hits a wall going 300 mph, there ya go. Anyone who thinks this is a safe sport needs to see that video before they hook up a tank of NOx and go on Pinks.

That's really sad for his wife and boys. The Kalitta family is legendary in racing--right up there with Petty, Earnhardt, Force, and Andretti.
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 10:49 PM
  #4  
mizzouHHR's Avatar
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Joined: 01-20-2006
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From: Centralia, Missouri
RIP Scott Kalitta. We will miss you.
Old Jun 21, 2008 | 11:48 PM
  #5  
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Joined: 05-09-2006
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From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
RIP Scott.

And if you read this CK, Snoopy sends his condolences (think back to the late 60's and Detroit Dragway).
Old Jun 22, 2008 | 12:40 AM
  #6  
halfpanel08's Avatar
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Joined: 06-01-2008
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From: arlington texas
RIP, and prayers to his family

atleast he died doing what he loved doing
he had retired i think twice before, but kept
comin back for the love of the sport.
Old Jun 22, 2008 | 01:15 AM
  #7  
courthousedeb's Avatar
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From: Arvada CO
RIP Scott...we will all miss you.

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Old Jun 22, 2008 | 09:45 AM
  #8  
SOMBERSHARK0714's Avatar
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Joined: 02-29-2008
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From: Oak Creek, WI
Wy Wife & I Just Got Back From The Brewers Game & We Flipped On The Local News To Watch Highlights From The Game & Then They Showed The Horrific Crash. Rip.
Old Jun 22, 2008 | 10:11 AM
  #9  
a76marine's Avatar
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From: Chicago, IL (Waukegan)
Originally Posted by halfpanel08
at least he died doing what he loved doing

Exactly.
Old Jun 22, 2008 | 10:26 AM
  #10  
guitarman's Avatar
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Joined: 08-28-2007
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From: nixa mo.
R.I.P. Scott Kalitta
We will miss you and prayers go out to the family. Being born and raised in Calif. I remember his dad Connie Kalitta and all the great ones including
The Bounty Huntress Shirley Muldowney. GOD Bless you Scott you will always be in our hearts.



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