A Top Fuel Dragster explodes at speeds exceeding 300 mph during the NHRA Winternationals on Sunday.
Reigning NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel dragster champion Antron Brown lined up next to David Grubnic in the second round of the NHRA Winternationals. Off to a perfect start, Brown started to gap Grubnic down the drag strip when his car suddenly violently blows its 8,000 hp engine, causing the car to twist sideways at 300 mph before careening into the left wall.
Unable to dissipate the energy, the car continued to slide upside down across the length of the track, sending fire, spark, and debris into the air and over the wall. Finally, the car reached the gravel trap and came to a halt.
An incredible wreck, Antron Brown managed to climb out of the vehicle and walk from the twisted wreck thanks to incredible safety advancements made in motor racing in recent years. The medical teams checked his vitals and deemed him lucky to be alive.
Brown, 36, has competed in NHRA's Top Fuel class since 2008. In 2012, Antron won the NHRA Top Fuel championship and made history as the first African American to win a major U.S. auto racing season championship.
However, Brown's achievements are not without its tragedies. In 2010, Brown was involved in a crash that sent a rogue tire over the wall, striking and killing a spectating fan. NHRA have made significant improvements including fire suits and safety harnesses to protect the brave drivers. However, racing is not without its risks and rare accidents still occur.
Be sure to check out the video below to see how Antron Brown's crash unfolds.
