TRENTON, N.J. — Engine failure at 300 mph triggered a crash that killed top Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta in June.
The New Jersey State Police said investigators determined that “catastrophic mechanical failure” caused a fuel-fired explosion in Kalitta’s Toyota Solara during a qualifying race at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
State police said the rear portion of the car’s body separated, deploying the damaged parachute system. The car crashed into a pole and a boom truck.
The 46-year-old died from multiple injuries during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals.
Kalitta, a Palmetto, Fla., resident, started his career at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in 1982.
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