Cascade Crew

[Twilightoptics]

Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell was fatally injured June 27 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.


1968-2004

No drag racing fatalities have occured at an NHRA event since 1996 when Blaine Johnson was consumed by his Top Fuel Dragster aswell.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the sport, our driving, and our lives. There are risks in everything we do, everyday, and dispite the vast saftey measures, accidents can still happen. Blessings to his family and friends.

[Schultzy89GTA]

[RSFreak]

That sucks. What really sucks is that it could happen to any one of us on our daily commute to work. I think about that alot as I drive my little econo box. The RS will be back up soon I keep telling myself...