Nitro Dogs Racing

Former champ Kalitta lost in qualifying accident

Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, 46, died June 21 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 Drag Racing 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 Motorsports statement

The Kalitta Motorsports team has issued a statement following the loss of their driver Scott Kalitta, a teammate, a son, a cousin, and a friend. In addition to a general statement, also included are quotes from his father, team owner Connie Kalitta (pictured), and teammates Doug Kalitta, Hillary Will, and David Grubnic.

Kalitta Motorsports unveils official memorial decal

Kalitta Motorsports has released the official Scott Kalitta memorial decal, which will be available in a very limited supply at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.Kalitta Motorsports will be making them available to the public for purchase as soon as possible with all proceeds going to Racers For Christ and BRAKES. They can then be ordered through the race shop (price TBD) and the track-side apparel trailer and online at some point. There is also a tribute T-shirt with this design incorporated being produced, but its availability by Norwalk is questionable.

The world grieves for Kalitta, family

The impact of the loss of two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta was felt worldwide as over the past several days, visitors from more than 150 countries, both big and small, around the globe have visited NHRA.com to read about his career and honor his legacy.

DHL statement regarding Scott Kalitta

DHL today issued the following statement Monday regarding the death of Scott Kalitta: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Scott Kalitta. He was a true champion of the sport and a dear friend to the DHL family. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy, their sons, his father Connie, and the entire Kalitta family.”

NHRA statement on the death of Scott Kalitta

On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Kalitta family.Scott shared the same passion for drag racing as his legendary father, Connie. He also shared the same desire to win, becoming a two-time series world champion. He left the sport for a period of time, to devote more time to his family, only to be driven to return to the dragstrip to regain his championship form.Scott was a terrific driver and perhaps more importantly a better person and a great father to his two kids. He will be truly missed by the entire NHRA community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Kathy; sons, Corey and Colin; his cousin, Doug; and his father, Connie.

Fellow racers remember Kalitta

Scott Kalitta was a racer’s racer, tough as nails and as capable behind the wheel as anyone out there. With nerves of steel and a fiery attitude, Kalitta knew how to get the job done on the track, but away from the quarter-mile, his friends and fellow racers knew him as a fun-loving guy. Updated, 6/24, 3:30 p.m. EasternRemembering Scott

SCOTT KALITTA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

National event wins