The Day That Changed Nitro Drag Racing Forever
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- **Correction, Eric Medlen was killed due to a tire shake, not a tire faliure in his crash at Gainseville. Sorry for the misinformation. Still learning more about this sport as I go.
Also John Forces crash was at Dallas, not Houston.
As time went on into the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the speeds became quicker. A car making a pass in 5.9 seconds would be seen as an astonishing feat of speed and talent in 1979. In 1999, that wouldn’t qualify you for the event all together. The cars were becoming quicker, the tuning and engineering of the cars improved, and the limits of these cars were found to obtain the fastest times possible. Because of these astonishing feats of speed and engineering, the danger aspect of these races became more and more of a concern. As the clock turned over into the new millennium, the viciousness of the wrecks continued to increase. And on June 21, 2008 in Englishtown, New Jersey. It reached a point where it couldn't be ignored.
Special thanks to the r/NHRA community with helping me understand more about this wreck and supporting my work!
Articles Used:
Why an NHRA Drag Strip is 1,000 Feet: www.autoweek.c...
NHRA Indeed Mulling Return To 1/4-Mile Nitro Racing: www.dragzine.c...
NHRA reduces distance of Top, Fuel, Funny Car races to 1,000 feet: www.espn.com/r...
NHRA debate rages on 1,000 vs. traditional 1,320 feet: www.dailynews....
NHRA: Blaine Johnson’s racing death 20 years ago still haunts, inspires brother Alan Johnson: motorsports.nb...
Darrell Russell Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.o...)
Eric Medlen Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.o...
Scott Kalitta: en.wikipedia.o...
Video Credits:
NHRA, ESPN, Fox Sports, Goodyear,
loudpedal, BigBee TV, Jonathan Harder,
Eastern Explorer, Rookie Raceway, Dave W,
TBK.FAMEFLAME.DK.5, Attack, FatalMotorsportChannel,
JayJayLetho3, Pulling Reference Rewind,
jpyt845, nhra1784, JoeyHaasTF.
Photo Credits:
NHRA, MotorTrend
Wikipedia, John Force Racing
Racer Magazine, Seth Owen (sdowen)
New Jersey State Police
Music Credit:
Lisenced through epidemic sound.
Apparent Solution - Brendon Moeller
Bahamas - Brendon Moeller
Fun While It Lasted - Emil Axelsson
First off, I want to thank all of you for watching the video, when I uploaded it I was hoping it would do well, but watching this video boom and all the likes I have received with it is mind-blowing and incredible to see. For those of you who left all these amazing comments about your support and your feedback, I greatly appreciate. It has meant a lot reading them all.
For the critiques, I have listened. I am aware that I am speaking way too quickly. It has been an ongoing issue that I have worked to resolve, and over time will become less of an issue the more I upload. The audio is the same way. When I edit the video it sounds fine before I render it, but the moment I upload it I see how it's too quiet. I'm figuring out how to fix those problems so in future videos it won't be an issue.
Because of the overwhelming support and positive feedback, you can expect to see more videos in the coming months! I have 3 videos planned for the next year. So be sure to subscribe to the channel, so you can see when they drop! Also follow me on twitter and instagram as well @MightyMack03, so you can keep up to date with what's going on.
Many of us shed some emotional tears as not only fans or spectators some of us compete in amateur stuff on the weekends and it is just as dangerous. In retrospect I can offer putting a gigantic McDonalds ball house at the end of every drag strip that way the cars will crash into thousands of big bouncy balls showering workers and spectators at the end of the drag strip with big bouncy balls thus slowing the runway cars to a gentle stop... Just my suggestion as a solution. I'm willing to try out my idea on a weekend.
Seriously this is one of the best NHRA videos I’ve ever seen.
Great story and composition. I was going to comment on the back ground music level, but it looks as though you are on it already. As an old guy with hearing problems, I already slowed the vid to 75%...lol....thanks for the very interesting story, gunna sub so I can see more.
Yeah buddy. Great subject, great video, great commentary, just slow down a little and you got it. We all want to hear what you have to say. We don’t mind waiting a bit to hear it. Good job.
I believe drag racing and NHRA was born out of WWII and at Bonneville
Great job man. My only advice would be to slow down a little bit and allow time for pauses.
Appreciate it. I got a lot of messages about slowing down, will definitely use it for the next video cause I'm still learning as I go.
Agree. Maybe raise the audio in your voiceover too... Great vid!
@@MightyMack03 great vid & perhaps turn up volume to industry standard level
Yeah, quite hard to keep up and understand what you're saying
@@MightyMack03 pin up a note to play back at .75 speed sounds great then.
Gary Scelzi's interview after that crash was chilling. He didn't just lose an opponent, he lost a friend.
Thats something I always respect about other racers. In the races ive been a part of, there was almost never any beef. It was just two guys havin a friendly competition, as it should be. Seeing your oppenent die right next to you would be absolutely soul crushing. I know if it was me and my buddies or my dad and his friends, we'd be crushed watching one of our friends die right there. An quitr honestly I dont know whether id keep racing in their honor and legacy or quit all together at the fear of something like that happening to me as well
True in all racing formats.
The 60's and early '70's were the WORST in terms of diver's deaths. Especially in F1 and Indy car. Still can remember Danny Ongasis's feet rubbing the track @ the 500.
Reminds me of when Schumacher broke one of Senna's records. He visibly broke down in the post-race interview.
When was scelzi in a funny car ???
We all did.
I work for Jim Dunn . We were racing Scott that day. After the crash we went down to get our car and saw the carnage from Scott’s car. It’s something I’ll never forget. RIP Scott you are missed
ua-cam.com/video/nR7wwp27pYw/v-deo.html
Who blew up on pit side?
Not many know the truth about that scene. Horrific
I was 12 and in the stands. Sorry for your loss. Its extremely sad.
@@hashslingingslabber859 were you the dude on reddit 5 months ago asking who commented on the worst drag racing crash post.
@@zacharybialeschki631 negative - don’t have reddit
I saw Mike Sorokin; Pete Robinson and several other drivers die in my 60 years of drag racing. Retired now from the sport, I still miss the tremendous people associated with it. May these deceased drivers all RIP!!
I saw Pete get killed ... I walked away when covid hit and my mentor jake McCloud passed away ... I do miss it all ...
My uncle used to work for John Force, he lived out in California so I didnt get to see him very much unless he came into town for the races. My dad was huge into it, never misses a race still. I remember him bringing me even when I was super young to the track to watch and meet everyone. These are some great people we lost and I remember watching some of these things unfold in real time and it was absolutely horrifying. I was so young at the time but I will never forget my parents reactions.
ua-cam.com/video/nR7wwp27pYw/v-deo.html
He may be in this video
I wrecked a 540 nitrous full body tubed s10 passing through 1000 feet at 170 mph. I watered down my own tire and turned right into the wall, I broke both of my collar bones and cracked my C4 radially. I survived only because I had a certed cage and was wearing a helmet and arm movement restriction device. The sport has been a emotional roller coaster for me and alot of people I'm sure. Eventually one of those youtubers is going to do what I did and all we can do is hope they've built it for safety.
Back when I raced i would always go above and beyond on safely.
I'm building a bang for the buck 4th Gen Camaro right now.
Iron block, Turbo, 12bolt , Th400 who knows what's gonna happen.
I know I'm getting a cage
do you use a hans device to protect your neck?
@@ronblack7870 simpson hybrid. Definitely the reason I am not in a chair. I basically hit so hard the concrete block was sideways and broken. I think it did its job. We were really going so god damn fast for the chassis at that time it simply wasnt safe at all. Yes the cage worked as designed, so did the seat. But if you catch the wall and flip or turn, its so violent the g force can rip your heart away from the aorta. I suffered all kinds of unexplained deep tissue bruises where I hit nothing at all. Neck hurts to this day, but later on a few years from now, I'll go back out and give the new truck a few whacks.
@@blackopsrocks stay safe dude.
Mainly because they had tracks w/shutdown areas that were too short. Ironically, our track that they shit on relentlessly, because it's owned by Stockholders, not millionaires, has a shutdown area almost a 1/2mi long, and was built that way 56yrs ago (1966). Even Don Garlits loved racing at our track, so much so, he wanted to break the 300mph mark at our track and was doing testing before Bernstein did it in Florida. We had IHRA meets that ran the full 1/4mi at our track after NHRA did this, never had a problem. A number of current TF & N/FC drivers ran here then. Matt Hagan was one, Millican & Lagana were others. The tracks were the problem, not the speeds.
THIS. This rule change felt like such an overreaction to Scott Kalitta's death. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying they shouldn't have done anything because it was a very tragic crash, but still, what killed Kalitta was the fact the runoff area on this drag strip was way too small for those speeds to accommodate. Had he had another thousand feet or more before he hit that wall, I would go so far as to say he would have very likely survived the crash because the car would have slowed down enough then for it to be possibly non fatal.
We'll sadly never know, but this rule change was not the answer. They should have mandated all drag strips expand their runoff areas by another half mile or more. That would have solved the issue easily. If some drag strips were unable to expand their run off areas for... whatever reason, then fine... make those 1,000 feet as a way to compensate. But the rest should have been left alone. Yea, they probably would have gone 350 MPH at those 1/4 drag strips, but so what now? What's the difference between 330 and 350 MPH? Is twenty miles an hour faster really that much more dangerous for these cars?
Lengthen the track shut down area, there’s your answer.
@@jimbo6134 the problem is in many places there simply isn't room to extend the shutdown area due to other obstructions. My home town track is the Texas Motorplex, which has a 1/2 mile shutdown area plus a rather long sand trap. That is a huge chunk of real estate. It would be nice if more tracks built up in wide open spaces, but most of these tracks were built long ago when 300+mph wasn't even a pipe dream, much less a reality. It's unreasonable to expect them all to be torn down and rebuilt outside the urban sprawl where they would have the extra room.
Liberals ruining the sport
@@basedgodstrugglin As I said in my previous comment, "If some drag strips were unable to expand their run off areas for... whatever reason, then fine... make those 1,000 feet as a way to compensate. But the rest should have been left alone."
I get that some would be unable to expand their runoff areas. Some don't have the space to expand. But there's no reason for those who can why they should have been forced into this rules change. Let's be honest here: NHRA did this because it was the cheapest solution for them, not because it was the safest ones for the drivers.
My mans speech is quicker than NHRA cars today lol nice video buddy
I watch most people at 1.5 or 2x speed and I actually had to watch him at 1x 😂
This is a great video, and as a lifelong fan of drag racing, it sheds light on what is most important: the safety of the drivers that entertain us. I met every one of the drivers who are featured in this video that are no longer with us, and each one of them is exactly like us...they just like to go fast and make a living. Thanks for making this.
My opinion, fuel and alcohol cars from top fuel to pro mod, the chassis must be twice as strong as they currently are. Should have been done back in the 90's when cars were touching 280 mph. Teams for too long have been getting away with flimsy chassis for far too long, and it came back to haunt us. Also, mandatory, all tracks must have a 1/2 mile shutdown area. Then deep sand for 300 feet, the 2 catch fences spaced 100 feet apart.
Again, my opinion, as a Pro Modified driver.
Be safe everyone.
I don't follow the sport, but that sounds like a good idea to me.
I don't know enough about the cars to have an opinion one way or the other when it comes to chassis stiffness and strength, so nothing about it except it sounds logical to me. The thing I see issues with is the lengthening. Again, I don't know enough to say one way or the other if your numbers are good or not so I'll take your word for it but (in my humble and slightly educated opinion) it really comes down to drive and logistics. Do the track owners want to spend the money developing longer shut down runs (drive) and is there enough room (logistics).
I was at the track that day as well. I still remember Mr. Kalitta's final pass and the eerie silence that descended over the track. Thank you for doing this video and telling the story of that day.
I was there as well. People were asking If he would be ok. I was saying no way he's definitely dead. He went off the end of the track at 300+ and into the woods. No one survives that.
I was at e town to this day
I was at etown , there in the stands , r I p Scott . also meet Eric at etown. Sad they are gone
Yes it is eerie I was present at the U S Nationals when Alan Johnson had his fatal crash the next two days weren't the same weekend saw a nitro harley rider die very gloomy few days
I went online to check that event out and was going to buy tickets but I couldn’t get a buddy to go with me.
Those slow-motion shots of these powerful machines twisting and torquing down, grabbing the track with those sticky tires, are awesome. So massive.
I am 67 years old and I have enjoyed drag racing since I was a kid. I saw Scott explode and crash that day and will never forget that empty feeling. These drivers love the sport, understand extreme horsepower and understand the risk at losing control at over 300 mph. I suppose this understanding is something you live with and die with. The thrill of speed has always been this way in all motor sports. The best we can do is to love these people and support them in sad times like this.
Well said sir 😔
It's the same with people who choose to do drugs as well, but do you support them?.. just curious.
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty wtf where is that comparisons going just curious
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty Not quite. How many of the people who do drugs advance anything other than someones balance by doing these drugs? Not to mention the fact that i'm fairly certain it takes neither skill to "get good" at doing them, not does it provide entertainement for others. Those are the differences. And the next question is: What do you mean by asking whether someone supports them? If you mean anyone encourages them to do so, then i hope no, noone supports them. If you mean trying to help them, unless they are very clearly, in a moment of clarity, aware of what they're doing, and don't want any help, then yes, i do hope whoever you would ask that question answers yes.
We've all got to die sometime and there are worse ways to go than pursuing your dreams.
This video explains the reason why drag racing went from a quarter mile to 1,000 ft. I understand the full aspect of it now. I kinda had my opinions, but now I fully understand. Thank you. Great video.
Man, this was good. Your pacing is a little quick on some of it, but the format, visuals, and overall presentation are well done. As a long time gearhead and present day actual (non-automotive, strangely) mechanic, you earned a sub. If your future content is even half this well structured, you will be in good shape. Well done.
When I was a kid in high school dragsters could put out 2000 hp and a top speed of over 200 was something special. Your clear explanation of what came after is really worth watching.
HS class of 1982...I remember Minor/Beck's 5.39
Now it’s stock motor cars pushing 1500-1800wrhp 😂😂
Now you have "street" cars running in the 6s and quicker at well in excess of 200mph... mind blowing stuff 🤯
@@danieledwards1081 Look at cleet and some of the other guys in that class, they're roadtripping those cars thousands of miles then laying down passes in the 6 second range.
Then when electric catches up, it'll make 6 seconds seem very slow, right now the tesla cars are running around a thousand hp for their top models.
@@PineyJustice yep, just watched ole Cleeter's latest Rocky mountain RaceWeek video a couple of hours ago
Watching that crash again brought tears to my eyes. Scott was the epitome of a top fuel driver.
I am 68,and was an NHRA competitor myself. Retired young to raise a family....My point is, Scott used to accompany his dad, Connie Kalitta to races when school was out. Scott was hooked on racing when he was a little kid........... In his day, Connie was a fierce competitor. He was rated twenty something out of the top 50 of all time.......When he died,Scott was doing what he loved. He is in my prayers.
Amen
Back in the mid-late 2000s, XM Radio had a racing show called "Powershift". They interviewed the president of the NHRA to discuss the 1,000 feet rule change. In addition to giving more runoff area, they also pointed out that it would allow the engines to hold together. Why? Because crew chiefs tuned them to 1,000 feet, and then set them up to survive the last 320 feet.
I'm so glad you showed this video! As a fan of the 1/4-mile track as I saw it in the late 70's and early 80's I was never sure what had caused the change, I got away from things after I joined the Corps in the mid 80's. Pushing the daredevil in ourselves will be the death of us as technologies allow us to do it, the times have changed from back in my day and I would have been all in back then too. Thanks for the video.
Content was good, but slow down your speaking. Also your voice needs to louder then then the background music.
This video really helps me to better understand the risks involved with NHRA motorsports. Sometimes as a fan we don't know or understand the safety measures that are incorporated into NHRA drag racing to better protect the drivers. My hat is off and my hand on my heart for all the drivers who risk their lives for our entertainment.
Two hundred Gs! That's incredible. Rest in peace to all who have lost their lives in this incredibly powerful sport.
Yes . RIP. 😢🙏✝️
he was dead the second the box recorded that if he weighed 100 pounds he had 2 tones of pressure on his chest etc at impact thats more than alot of vehicles
World record for highest G survived is over 200 G. IndyCar driver.
Thank you for making this. I had the pleasure of meeting Blain Johnson a few weeks before his death. I used to live and work down the street from Rodeck engines in PASO Robles CA. My brother-in-law was a machinist there. I was told Blain was there checking on the progress of the TFX engines he would be running at Indianapolis. He was an incredibly nice guy that really seemed to enjoy his fans. I still enjoy watching drag racing in honor of his memory.
Nicely done. I liked the speedy narration, it fits in with drag racing. :)
Wow! What a great video!! I’m more of an oval track fan, with a great appreciation for drag racing. I knew about the reason why the NHRA shortened the quarter mile, but you brought a really clear perspective on the reasons why they had to do it. Your video footage was so incredible! I’ve never clearly seen the distortion that the cars went through accelerating. Not to even mention what the drivers had to physically go through. This was clearly an eye opener! Great video! Keep it up!
Went to my first NHRA event some 10-15 years ago. The first time I saw a live, full, side by side nitro pass shocked me. My first thought was this: Sane and stable human beings CHOSE to strap themselves into these things and do this. And then I thought: So much risk, but the rewards of the rush it provides must be undeniably satisfying. There’s risk in all we do. Those who can ratchet up their tolerance to these levels are special individuals. In this case, all in the name of entertainment.
Reminds me of the 3 or 4 yr old, who experiences something exciting, and then says, "AGAIN!"
It’s nothing like watching the nitro cars in the 90’s, they were so damn violent it was awe inspiring.
remember also there is a lot of mechanical and electronic equipment that's tested when they race as well F1 does a lot of it also, a lot of modern safety equipment in cars today is from things designed in racing.
Well, it’s not all “in the name of entertainment.”
If you’ve ever left a stoplight next to me, I guarantee I’m not trying to entertain anyone. I’m just entertaining my desire to WIN, (even if you didn’t know we were racing.)
That’s why they do it. For sure it’s a rush but it’s all about winning.
And to do that, you have to be fastest. And to be fastest, you have to go faster.
Maybe some day, running 1000 feet the limit of G-force the human body can take will be achieved.
Then drivers will wear the specialized suits worn by pilots of F-22s and such…
And autopilot shut-down for when they pass out…
Damn!
@@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830 ?? Have you been to a race recently ?
Excellent video and it makes the case for 1,000 foot runs. One correction though. Scott was not air lifted he was transported by a Raceway Park ambulance and crew. I know because I was the Director of Emergency Services there and helped load him into my truck.
He was dead on sight don't lie.
@@joebone3151 That's correct.
@@joebone3151 on site
@@joebone3151 Your reading comprehension fucking blows, but it's your dickheaded-disposition that make you the most insufferable.
Nobody dies at the track, they transport and pronounce at the hospital.
Gary Gerould is a real class act. How he talked about Scott after the accident and his death was as good as it gets. The compassion, empathy and emotion he showed let's you (all of us) know he truly felt this tragedy deep in his soul.
When I was a little kid, probably 5 to 8 years old, I had a "girlfriend" whose dad drag raced. And by girlfriend I mean a little girl my age from down the street who held my hand and we were what any 5 to 8 year old would consider best friends. I think she even peck kissed me on the cheek once. Anyway, her dad's race car at the time, a '69 Camaro, was (and still is) the reason a '69 Camaro is my dream car. I'm not sure what class he raced back then but today he races top alcohol funny car.
His name is Dan Pomponio. I still remember playing in and around the race car trailer. Life was so much simpler back then and they treated me like their own, such a great family. Anyway, I said all that to say that because we lived in South Jersey, Dan raced at Englishtown quite often so, when Scott Kalitta was in that fateful accident there, it really brought home just how dangerous drag racing (any racing really) is. The drivers and even most fans know logically that it is dangerous but for a lot of us it takes something happening close to home for it to really sink in. I moved cross country as a teenager and haven't seen the Pomponios in 35 years but I still pray for a safe race and race season for Dan and family.
The close ups as they destruct at the end of the vid brings it home.
Thank You. Again, YOU ROCK!
Good job. Been following drag racing for years. Owned and drove nostalgia dragsters, wrote a motorsports column yet still learned things I didn’t know. Thank you.
So how do you feel about the 1000 foot race? I'm a 1/4 mile guy, but love the action at the 1/8 tracks too
I used to go to Englishtown every summer for the event. I was there, when Scott lost his life. I haven’t been back since. It closed a few years ago. A solemn reminder of how precious life is.
Horrible tragedy. He got so fast that he entered a new realm of danger.
I was there as well. I was asked from people witnessing the crash if he was ok. Nope....
I was there as well. Walking out of the stands was a very sad feeling.
Good video, well done. Increase the volume, slow down on the rate of words per minute.
If speed is the issue, it seems like there's a number of limits the rules could be changed to decrease the power out put. There already are limits, so it shouldn't be such a big deal to have a few more.
It's still crazy that people are basically driving rockets as a sport. But most people don't realise that drag racing is one of the safest sport with the least amount of injuries and deaths then any other sport.
I am 70+ years old and have been a drag racing enthusiast my entire adult life. Your video brings back memories I would rather not be reminded of; we love a dangerous sport. The memory of those that gave it all in pursuit of speed must never be forgotten; their legacy is a safer sport for competitors…nice job…
Amazing video man...I was just curious about this recently and did some googling but this really brings it to life. Seeing the wing collapse almost instantaneously at 2:56 shows just how much downforce is involved at those speeds.
I was there that day ...got the tickets last second and didn't make it until late that afternoon just when it happened ...never saw any car go down the track rest of the night ...i only heard that one run from the parking lot basically ... RIP Scott 🙏 what a legend
Same bro I'm like 1 hr from the track my buddy called me up like my wife don't to go she hates the noise lol....I was like I'll be ready in 5 mins.....also running late think we saw 3-4 races and boom was actually getting a drink when it happened.....my buddy son was like 6 at the time and asked is that guy dead...my buddy was like no so he didn't go home and tell his mom a guy died ...
I was watching that race on TV when that happened. What everyone gets wrong is not the 1000 foot or 1320 feet for the quarter mile. What was needed was a longer shutdown area, multiple safety nets plus the long sand traps prior to hitting the nets, and finally, installing the cement side barriers all the way down through the sand area. What killed Scott was the barrier wall he hit head-on. It was situated in such a way that it cut the car in half, after hitting it. It was sticking out and had no orange water barrels in front of it to absorb the hit like you see on freeways. After the crash and for the following years the NHRA did everything mentioned above EXCEPT extend the track lengths at all the major racing venues. Had the NHRA mandated to extend track lengths by another 1/4 or 1/2 mile in front of the sand pit, and the nets after that, they could have went back to 1/4 mile race.
Excellent program. I've loved drag racing for close to 40 years. I take my hat off to anyone who straps in to a nitro burning monster and rides it down the track, 1/4 mile or 1000 ft. as long as no one gets hurt.
People are really complaining about 320 feet lmao
@@SMD-si7fm says a more on
I had opportunity to work w/Tom Anderson, crew chief for Al Hoffman at the time. This was +-20 yrs. ago in the metals recycling industry. Tom opinion was that the fuel classes were reaching the point that the materials the cars were built of coupled w/Nitro were approaching the limits of their structural capabilities. I had been a drag racing fan all of my life & I was in awe of that view that far back.
The force exerted on Scott Kallita’s body according to the data recorder is not survivable by the human body. Look what happened to Dale Earnhardt his spinal cord was severed at the base of his brain stem. Basically a enclosed decapitation
First time viewer of your channel. I can speak for all racers and enthusiasts who watched this that you made an awesome video. Thank you for honoring the fallen legends of the sport, while giving an unbiased educational view of the pros and cons of Top Fuel 1000 ft racing 👍🏼
You don't speak for anyone. lol
@@BobPapadopoulos I know of at least two. Speak for yourself, and you have a right to your opinion. You don't speak for anyone else.
Very well done video! Yeah, you were speaking kinda fast, but you held my attention the entire time! Great job!
One of the biggest changes in racing in racing in general was the invention and introduction of the HANS device. Don't ignore the fact that it was optional from 1996 until 2004, a year AFTER Darrell Russell died.
I was at Englishtown that day with my family, we went every year to supernationals. I still remember the feeling watching that car go down the track in that fireball was horrific. the place was absolutely silent, everyone shocked and tears flowing.
Going back to 1320ft is NOT worth the disproportionate risk to the drivers.
I was there too near, it was me, my friend (we were kids) and my dad. Place was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Disproportionate" It's precisely representative of the bounds exceeded.
@@Quan_Dingle_ exactly, after the crash it became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. It was amazing how fast the police were there at the end of the track and in the street. We saw the backhoe pulling out car pieces from the trees.
@@Quan_Dingle_ That's what I remember, too. The announcer always said "....and they have him out of the car, and he's ok" after a crash. Because the driver was always fine.
When we all didn't hear that in the few minutes after the safety crew got there, that's when the quiet started.
calm down mary
I loved the super slow-motion videos where you could see things as small as a single bolt flying off of the Top Fuel cars. Everything happens so fast and with such force it's hard to appreciate until you see it in super Slow-motion.
I enjoyed this video. I would recommend normalizing the sound levels in the video though. I struggled to hear your voice over audio, but the ESPN audio portion was much louder.
And talking faster than a top fuel dragster😅😆
Agreed! hope he lower the sound of the music, could not hardly hear him. Otherwise, great video!
@@bombercountynick ....................speed talk don't cut no ice.....................
I honestly thought this was an Emplemon video. Apart from the quick talking which I still understood, I loved the video and it was really interesting and informative. I can’t wait for another :)
I've been a hardcore NHRA fan since Detroit Dragway in Detroit, Michigan hosted Nationals in 1960. My love for Top Fuel and Funny Car racing died with Eric Medlen. His death was easily avoided. The end of 1320 foot racing and Eric's death caused me to tune out NHRA's Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock.
I am still watching NHRA tv for Sportsman Racing. The men and women in Sportsman racing are the true grass roots of Drag Racing. I wish the NHRA would detune their engines in the Pro classes but it won't happen. They understand that a large population of Drag Racing fans only attend so they can see a crash or a catastrophic engine failure.
We are on the eve of the Big Go on my favorite track nestled between Brownsburg and Clermont, IN. I'll be watching the Sportsman along with the Stock and Super Stock Class Racing on Friday morning along with the Hemi Challenge. I feel the only hope for the NHRA is if they can ever reignite the relationship between the cars we see on the streets and those fans see on the track, much like the early 70's with Pro Stock. Thanks for listening to a long time NNRA fan. Let's hope all those drivers in the Pro Classes as well as all the competitors are able to come away from Indianapolis Raceway Park unscathed. Yes, I'm aware of the name change but it will always be IRP to me.
NHRA Needs more recognition! Thanks for making this video and please keep it going!
Yes 100% agree
Loved the vid🔥🔥🔥
For what? Killing off drag racing?
@@throttlegalsmagazineaustra7361 you mean turning drag racing into a professional sport like everyone "back in the day" wanted
@@dragracingmayhem3623 And then making all of it irrelevant by doing away with the quarter mile.
I was watching live when Scott passed! That was a hard day and seeing this bought it all back! RIP Scotty!
I appreciate your video and your concern about safety for all. I have loved racing since the 1950's and welcome anything to keep the people safe. Englishtown was my home track since before the Christmas Tree. Keep up the good work and you've got a new subscriber. Thanks !
Good video, it bought back many memories. As you started segments with the year, I realized I must be getting old.
I was 8 years old when Scott was killed. The NHRA races and qualifying were my equivalent of Saturday cartoons for my parents as I've been around drag racing my whole life. I remember turning to the channel just as it started and not hearing the engines like I normally did and the words that are etched in our brains forever being the NHRA equivalent to what Mike Helton said of Dale Earnhardt in 2001, "there is probably nothing more eerie than a racetrack on a sunny day after a horrible accident that took the life of a great champion."
Scott will always be remembered and I find comfort knowing that he didn't die in vain. Like with most race drivers I'm sure if he were to ever go out he'd prefer to go doing what he loved, and he loved this amazing sport. May he rest in peace, and may his sacrifice never be forgotten.
I was about to comment on how quickly you were commentating on the video and then read how you were aware of that.
We learn from our mistakes. I will be looking for other videos from you, unfortunately I had to give up on this one, which looked like it had great content, but the speed of your reading was a little more than I could handle at the time :-)
Good luck on your future videos
For the people left behind, it's the worst feeling in the world. However; Scott left doing something he absolutely LOVED doing. Honestly, going out doing something I love would be my preferred.
Great video Mack! Nicely done
I was going to comment on your pace of reading the script but you covered it well in your own comments. There was a legendary reporter for 60 Minutes who once explained that speaking on camera was far different than having a conversation in person. He noted that he would simplify the text and speak much slower in order to give the viewer ample time to digest the information. Keep up the good work.
The best example of writing for the spoken word is/was Edward R Murrow. Listen closely to him speak and you'll understand
Well conveyed brother.
Major track upgrades would be required to incorporate the 1320’ mark again… For now, Safety reigns in for all.
I'm a world rally cross guy. But this definitely changed my mind on drag racing
I got to be a team member on a funny car in 2006. You captured Drag racing better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Amazing vid! Some pics of kalittas car I’ve never seen before. Your right, no deaths since 1000 feet……maybe like nascar, could do different lengths depending on track. Vagas could use more run off and have the ability to put in more for 1320. But maybe thunder valley does 1000. Maybe? I subscribed and liked. Good stuff!!!!
What team were you on in 2006 . I worked on Jim Dunns that year
Love the video really interesting totally hooked on it keep up the great work !👍 just one thing you might want to turn your Mic up had to turn my tv way up to hear you
Greatly appreciated.
Yea. It's been a issue that's a work in progress, but if you watch the Al-Anabi video you'll see there's a slight improvement.
Thank you for an excellent look at a problem many people as fans do not understand, and coming from the bike side(as a fan)as sad an event as it was most mentions of Blaine Johnson's passing stop there, and do no mention the loss of Elmer Trett the next day on his Top Fuel bike,take care,and the best to you!
My Hero Elmer Trett and “Mountain Magic” RIP, sir with all of the heroes.🙏🏽🥰
Those top fuel bike guys are insane. They have balls the size of a yoga ball
They should do whatever John Force says. He’s gotta have the most professional knowledge and best opinion possible.
Was at Englishtown the day after Scott passed.
One of the somber overall experiences I've ever had
We need more NHRA content on this platform. I’d like to do one, but idk how they are with copyright.
But Noah, thanks for making this video! Well done!
I agree!
"Clay Millican" channel shows (and has team members explain) a LOT of what goes on in the pits, INSIDE THE TRAILER(s) and back at the shop.
He shows more about the Engines, Blowers THE CLUTCH than I've ever seen from any other NHRA team. Really worth a look/see and Sub IMO👍
@@KCadbyRacing wonderful!
You did an incredible job on this video man. I was engrossed from the start all the way to the end. Very well done. Like everyone else... my only advice would be to slow down. Other than that... phenomenal work.
Yea … great video. I remember seeing Force go off into the sand trap ( post 1000’ rule) and he was FAST. Car stayed on its wheels.. he jumped out with this huge smile on his face… knowing that rule just saved him.
Do I want the 1/4 … I don’t demand it .. what I want is a show… with drivers that return for the show time and time again. These cars are going to grenade… sht goes wrong in a hurry…
Id rather watch a bunch of different cars that are different and moded to the max race. Nascar, formula one, dragsters, they are all just the same cars. Make a track race with Mustangs, Camaros, Challenger's and other top car brands.
Great job on the video. I grew up right down the street from Lucas Oil Raceway, to me as Raceway Park., in Clermont, Indiana. I was 6 when we moved there in 1968. I loved when Labor Day weekend rolled around. I completely understand why they had to shorten the track, but it does take away from some of the racing. I have seen the crowd go from the massive camp out, party atmosphere where hot rodders brought anything they could stuff a big block in and see who the could beat to a small older crowd of drag enthusiast hoping to see the series gain some popularity. It breaks my heart. Sponsors and prize money aren't there. 😢😢
My dad had a 15 minute conversation with Eric in the pits during one of the Pomona races. Ill never forget.
Nothing hits more, then the silence that falls over a racetrack after a fatal accident…
rode that pony
KCIR summernats :/
Great job Mack! Awesome video and some mind blowing Information. Thank you for doing what you do so well. More people need to know about the sport of racing and the way these guys and girls risk everything so things can be safer in the real world. Not only is racing about speed and competition but its about innovating new ways to obtain the power and speed we all desire but to do it as safely as possible. Again, great job Mack. Please keep up the good work!!! 💯💯💯
Great video! I followed drag racing when I was real young and then recently. In the gap they adopted 1000'. This is a great explanation. The voice over (maybe sound in general) was a little low on volume but otherwise A+ video.
It's a constant on going debate between my friends and I. I think it's more competitive and a hell of a lot safer to stay with the 1000ft run. We honor those who have lost their lives by keeping the ones that race now safe. Please keep this video up if only for education. It helps people understand that it's the best sport in the world, as long as the drivers get to go home to their families after each 1000 foot race. Thank you.
1,000 feet is perfect for the top 2 classes.
I believe if you cut the track to 500 feet the fuelers would find a way to go 300+ mph. I know tradition requires a quarter but I still marvel at the speeds at 1000. If it saves a life then stay at 1000. I have no doubt those guys will figure out how to surpass 350 at that distance. After all, at the end of the day that's what hot rodders do.
Sobering to see the devastating effects of a wreck at those speeds.
I’ve been able to see top fuelers run 1 time at Rockingham and it was more impressive than sitting right next to a squadron of F18 hornets taking off from a short runway in bogue field…. I’ll never forget it and the best part of it was my son was with me
Dang that makes me wanna see a top fuel car even more🔥🔥🔥
At a difference of only 320 ft., you're not missing much. If 1000 ft. makes it safer for drivers to return and still compete day after day, then I'm okay with it. It's still a rush and a lot of fun going to see the races. :)
Trust me, you are missing much.
@@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830 I still enjoy it, with or without the 320 ft. difference. It really doesn't matter to me if I'm still entertained by nitro buring funny cars and dragsters.
@@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830 I agree that's the length of a football field +.
@@troyallen3427 some people just don’t understand how many races are won and lost in the last 320. It basically screwed all the teams that were really strong at the big end.
@@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830 If it makes the racing safer, it's a net positive for sure.
Excellent video Mack! I've been a drag racer all my life and all I ever wanted to do was to GO FASTER! Well, it looks like we've reached the pinnacle of speed, for now, to the current technology and safety of our race cars. I think if we want to go faster we need to increase the technology of safety into our race cars and our drivers. If we can do that then, by all means, it's the pedal to the metal! We'll find the ways to do that. We always have and there is no reason it should stop now. Look at the majority of dangerous occupations today compared to what they were 50 - 60 - 70 years ago. We are light years ahead of those days now and there is no reason why this can be done in all dangerous sports and occupations. IT WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE IT ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL. Sometimes you just have to wait for technology to catch up and maybe that's where we are today in Drag Racing!
Racing has always carried an inherent risk. When you put yourself at the wheel of such powerful machines, you’re always riding the edge of “acceptable risk” and “total loss.”
I think that in a way, it’s why many racers love what they do. That dangerous redline says “who dares to push me?” and they are the ones who answer:
_”I_ dare. Let’s go.”
Thank you, I had no idea that’s what happened to Scott Kalitta. About 10 years ago I wanted to take a trip down to Englishtown Dragway to watch the Big Boys race, I called there to find out what the next big race would be and they told me they no longer sponsored Drag Racing without any explanation. Very Sad Day for Drag Racer’s & Drag Racing. 😢 All these years later and Thanx to you I know. Also didn’t know why they went to 1,000 feet. Thanx Again
Drag racing has existed since before there where internal combustion engines, before their were steam engines. People where "drag racing" their horses to find out who had the faster horse.
huh. who gives a shit?
When you put concrete barriers at the end the track, this is what happens. That track should never have allowed cars to run without proper safety equipment.
I want to know why there was a tree anywhere near the track when Schumacher lost his car.
I don't see how a shorter track would have helped scott.
They figured ( with the old slide rule,which is electronic now) that if Scott had 320 more feet, things could have been different. Who knows? Speculation at best.
Great video. Very informative. Great footage
IN Order to GO BACK TO 1/4 MILE RACES...All Top Fuel Classes can only use one complete engine per each race day. If the engine block breaks or you can't do simple repairs repairs-you are out for the day. Next day providing you qualified, you can use a new complete engine.
Maybe by having this kind of restriction would produce a longer lifespan on the engine and all components. Power would be pulled back some in order to preserve the engine so they can continue to run the races, and hopefully save lives.
How close to max power can you get without breaking down??? Mighty Mack, Great job on video!
I would love to see it go back, but honestly NHRA has gotten so bad since the Powerade days. Not only making rules up and ruining classes like how they absolutely butchered pro stock, but also how they treat the sportsman guys racing the classes you don’t see like super comp and comp eliminator. With radial tire racing and stuff like that growing bigger and bigger being an outlaw deal it’s much more entertaining to watch.
True, the classes that started NHRA has been pushed into the background for the top fuel classes.
Racing wise, it's as competitive as it's ever been.
And radial racing is losing its flair. If anything, NPK is the wave now.
@@Scoe91Til RVW is dying out but X275 and limited drag radial is still pretty hot.
@@young11984 True, I was racing in gas classes in 1963 and 1964 which was more exciting. Altered classes were also great to watch.
Really good job on this! Very well presented and researched, thank you.
Very very good video. Well written and well thought out. Sound is terrible however. Had to turn volume up to 90 to hear what you were saying, and I still struggled. Also seemed like you were trying to read the script as fast as possible. Maybe tryn slow down and enunciate and emphasize more. Over all good work though. 👍
Years ago they closed Englishtown Raceway down in New Jersey and boy do I miss that place😢
great video very well put together rip all the drivers who have lost their lives
Great video. 👍 I think 1000 ft is just fine for the top 2 divisions. 330 mph is plenty fast. It would actually help the teams if they would cut the nitro back even more that fuel costs 45 bucks a gallon last time I checked. And with cutting the fuel you cut speed and cut costs. There has to be other cuts as well to help your lower budget teams. There's always going to be one or 2 teams that can out spend everyone else. So with that being said. If you cut the nitro I think you'll see more and better racing. Less explanations
So what about all the records that was set at 1/4 mile? If the track is to short dontvrace there..if the cars are to fast then find a new job..racing is dangerous and those of us who do it know this and except this danger ..its bad when any human we know dies but it didn't stop very many from racing..I have not watched or gone to a drag track since this change..most of the guys I know also gave up on drags..just look at the attendance at tracks now and that tells you many feel the same..in the old days it was standing room only..
@@mikeneitte212 We get that it's dangerous, but even the most dangerous jobs put safety first.
@@HemiSlant6828 I have seen people walk away from huge fireballs and crashes so we know safety was always number one..after Eric's death Force did a lot of good for the safety in drag racing..they should have never gone to those tiny tracks that didn't have enough shutdown area imo..as kids we all ran 1/4 mile and since the mid 70s I kept up with and went to NHRA events..seems like attendance fell after the change to 1,000 feet then they introduced 4 lane 1,000 foot race..dumb imo
@@mikeneitte212 Don't get me wrong, I love 1/4 mile racing, but with everything in place and nitro cars going faster, they just can't anymore. Not only is it more dangerous, parts will not last in the full 1/4 mile. Teams already have enough of a hard time keeping costs as low as possible and making parts last. Unfortunately, there's just too many factors to where they just can't afford to go back to the 1/4 mile, both financially and mentally.
What u have failed to mention is the data pro teams have showed that Nitro cars literally start eating themselves up from 1,000 feet to 1,320 feet and with it going to 1,000 it significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic failure of Nitro engines thus tragedy on a human scale is massively eliminated.
Hell shorten the strip to NFL's 100 yards and run those nitro bitches all day long without blowing up!
Yeah, in a few years we'll see electric cars buzz by silently, go back to pits for someone to plug in to an outlet .... all to the thrill and excitement of completely empty bleachers .... then the problem will be solved ..... (end of sarcasm).
My dad worked for NHRA and is one of the best track preppers of all time and he got all the inside news. Scott Kalitta lost both his arms and legs and nearly his head. Unfortunate, he was my favorite driver and will continue to be till this day.
I miss SpeedVision. I used to love the channel. All racing all the time!
Awesome video! I would suggest bringing back the 1320 feet track and add an extra 500 feet at the end of all the tracks. If they can tilt a track like they do at Talladega for the stock cars, they can make a quarter mile an actual quarter mile and give the drivers a really good run-off lane incase of problems.
The audio is at such low levels even with my compters volume set to maximum it is almost unintelligible!
I was at the US Nationals for the 1st 4 second pass there. good ole IRP!! We camped across the street as poor kids haha I think I also saw 1st 300mph pass there as well
The first 300 mph pass was by Kenny Bernstein at the Gatornationals in March of 1992. He ran 301.70 mph in 4.823 seconds.
@@jeffparker3334 thats nice but i specifically said at irp and the us Nationals
Aaahhh, my bad. You meant the first 300+ at that specific track. I thought you meant the first 300+ ever. I was at the Gators when Bernstein set the first ever 300 mph run. My apologies.
moonshine doesn't have bugger all to do with drag racing .drag racing started from X service man hot rodding there cars using old disused air strips not dirt roads or circle tracks or running grog nothing ..
I believe this is true. No reason to be butt hurt over it though. 😉
I watched my friend die at the end of a drag track. It lives with you forever.
John Force blew up more than anyone I've seen, and still won. If he says no, it's no.