Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell was fatally injured today as a result of a crash during race eliminations at an NHRA National Event at Gateway International Raceway.
Russell, 35, of Hockley, Texas, was competing in the second round of eliminations when his dragster went out of control and crashed just past the finish line. Russell was extracted from his dragster by NHRA emergency services officials and transported by air to the St. Louis Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
Russell, driver of the dragster owned by NHRA legend Joe Amato, was the event's top qualifier and was coming off a victory recently in Columbus, Ohio. During his four year career he had earned six victories in 17 final rounds. He posted a career-best fourth place points finish in 2003 and was currently fourth in the Top Fuel points standings.
NHRA deeply regrets that this tragic accident occurred and sends its thoughts and sentiments out to the Russell family and the Amato Racing team.
NHRA will provide information on funeral arrangements as soon as they become available.
http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/june/062701.html
I was shocked when I heard this last night on ESPN, they showed the wreck it didn't look that bad, I've seen worse. Plus with all the safety equipment that is used you'd think he'd be sore as all hell but not fatally injured.
Sad.
Russell, 35, of Hockley, Texas, was competing in the second round of eliminations when his dragster went out of control and crashed just past the finish line. Russell was extracted from his dragster by NHRA emergency services officials and transported by air to the St. Louis Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
Russell, driver of the dragster owned by NHRA legend Joe Amato, was the event's top qualifier and was coming off a victory recently in Columbus, Ohio. During his four year career he had earned six victories in 17 final rounds. He posted a career-best fourth place points finish in 2003 and was currently fourth in the Top Fuel points standings.
NHRA deeply regrets that this tragic accident occurred and sends its thoughts and sentiments out to the Russell family and the Amato Racing team.
NHRA will provide information on funeral arrangements as soon as they become available.
http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/june/062701.html
I was shocked when I heard this last night on ESPN, they showed the wreck it didn't look that bad, I've seen worse. Plus with all the safety equipment that is used you'd think he'd be sore as all hell but not fatally injured.
Sad.
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