Less than two weeks after driver Scott Kalitta died in a fiery crash during a race at Englishtown, N.J., the NHRA on Wednesday said it would shorten its track for top fuel and funny car classes to 1,000 feet from the traditional quarter-mile distance of 1,320 feet.
The change will begin with next weekend’s Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison. The NHRA said the change is an interim step while it investigates its safety record and the sport’s dangers.
The pro stock and pro stock motorcycle classes will continue to run a quarter-mile.
Kalitta, 46, died June 21 after his funny car burst into flames, continued at a high speed, crashed and exploded at the end of the track. Since the NHRA started in 1955, there have been nine deaths at national events.
In 2004, after the death of top fuel dragster Darrell Russell at a race in St. Louis, the NHRA mandated steel walls to separate drivers from their engines.
But Wednesday’s decision to shorten the track length is a surprising step and puts into question this season’s elapsed times, standings and overall speed records.
“It is not lost on any of us that this constitutes a change in our history of running a quarter-mile,” said Kenny Bernstein, the Professional Racers Owners Organization president. “But it’s the most immediate adjustment we can make in the interest of safety.”
Langtry leads Denver all-stars.
Eight Denver Outlaws, including Brian Langtry, the league’s second- leading scorer, were selected for the seventh Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game, which will start at 8 p.m. July 17 at at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Jeff Sonke and Benson Erwin join Langtry in the midfield. Ryan Powell, Brendan Mundorf, and Matt Hanna are on attack. Lee Zink was chosen on defense, along with goalkeeper Jesse Schwartzman.
Theresa Smith, Special to The Denver Post
Luster joins Cowboys.
The University of Wyoming men’s basketball team added New Mexico State transfer JayDee Luster to its roster for next season, coach Heath Schroyer said. Luster must sit out a season, according to NCAA transfer rules, but will be eligible as a redshirt sophomore starting in 2009.
