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Driver survives terrifying high-speed drag strip explosion
9 Oct
Summary
- A tool left in the engine caused a drag car's rear quarter to explode.
- The driver skillfully controlled the car after the high-speed failure.
- The dragster still achieved over 212 mph despite the incident.
During a high-speed pass at Bradenton Motorsports Park this past weekend, a green Mustang drag car named 'Snot Rocket' suffered a catastrophic failure. A tool, possibly a breaker bar, became dislodged from the engine bay shortly before the finish line. The left rear quarter of the vehicle disintegrated after the tool was caught and thrown by the wheel.
Despite the violent explosion that took out the axle, bodywork, and door latch, driver Brett LaSala heroically kept the car under control. He managed to bleed off speed and avoid a serious crash, limiting damage to the rear corner and front bumper.
This incident happened shortly after LaSala achieved a new Stick Shift record, completing a pass at 233.44 mph. He exited the vehicle safely. The team aims to have 'Snot Rocket' repaired within a month for the World Cup Finals.
