AP: Driver killed in NHRA SuperNationals crash at Englishtown

"A drag racing driver ran through a net at the end of a track and died of head injuries in a crash during a qualifying round at the NHRA SuperNationals at a New Jersey raceway Friday, state police said.

The driver, whose name has not been released, crashed at Raceway Park in Old Bridge, N.J., Sgt. Stephen Jones said.

According to the organizer's website, Sportsman qualifying was under way at the time of the accident.

The incident comes nearly two years after top racer Scott Kalitta died when his Funny Car burst into flames and crashed at the end of the track in central New Jersey...."

Click here for the full AP story.

UPDATE (4:08 PM):

NHRA STATEMENT REGARDING HIGH-SPEED CRASH AT NHRA SUPERNATIONALS

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Neal Parker, 58, from Millville, N.J., crashed today at a high rate of speed in the shutdown area during qualifying for the NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and was pronounced dead. NHRA officials and the New Jersey State Police are investigating the accident. On behalf of everyone at NHRA and Raceway Park, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Parker family.