How Safe Is NASCAR's Car of Today?

That was proven at last weeks NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race - The Centurion Boats At The Glen in Watkins Glen, New York. With 8 laps remaining before Kyle Busch took the win, a chain reaction accident caused by David Gilliland and Michael McDowell, hitting each other in turn 11, with Sam Hornish, Jr. going into the pit lane water barrier seconds later. Amazingly, no one was hurt - drivers, photographers or spectators, in for what I call the road course version of "The Big One" For those that has questioned how the COT was constructed, and being allowed in NASCAR, you be the judge:






I can agree with the crowd's reaction as they saw the video, as well. Ironically, McDowell was also involved in the very first major crash with the COT during a qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway back in April, 2008. Speed was not so beautiful on either one of those days - for those that may get the inside humor on that note.

Video Courtesy: ESPN/NASCAR/You Tube

Scott Kalitta : 1962- 2008

The sad news has spread throughout the racing community today. Multiple NHRA champion funny car driver Scott Kalitta, Has passed away from his injuries from a terrifying accident, during the Lucas Oil Supernationals in Englishtown, New Jersey, eerily enough, the very racetrack where he first started his drag racing career. My heart goes out to his family, and to the crew, officials, and fans of the NHRA. He died doing what he so passionately loved, and he'll sorely be missed. Race in peace, my friend.

“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 drag strip to regain his championship form."

-National Hot Rod Association Statements, on the Passing of Scott Kalitta





Here's the Broadcast of the event, led by announcers Paul Page, Gary Gerould, Dave Rieff & Mike Dunn, of ESPN



Photo Courtesy: Auto Racing Daily
Video Courtesy: ESPN, You Tube