Another Loss for Drag racing Driver….
The drag racing community has recently faced several tragic losses, underscoring the inherent dangers of the sport.
Fatalities in Drag Racing
- Dave Sattem (June 2024): A 77-year-old Oregon man, Dave Sattem, tragically died in a crash at the Woodburn Drag Strip shortly after winning a race. Despite his victory, he lost control of his vehicle, leading to the fatal accident .
- Al Zukauskas (July 2023): At Quaker City Motorsports Park in Salem, Ohio, jet dragster pilot Al Zukauskas died after his vehicle crashed and caught fire during a race. The incident occurred during the “Night Under Fire” event, with Zukauskas reaching speeds of up to 286 mph .
Recent Incidents
- John Force (June 2024): NHRA legend John Force experienced a severe crash during the Virginia Nationals. His Funny Car suffered a catastrophic engine failure, causing it to cross the track and hit both guardrails at over 300 mph. Force was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury, fractured sternum, and wrist injury
These incidents highlight the risks associated with drag racing, even for experienced drivers. The community continues to mourn these losses and reflect on safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
