Madison, IL - (June 27, 2004) - Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell was fatally injured today 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.
Gateway released a statement on the death of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Darrell Russell from Vice
President & General Manager Matt Strelo:
"All of us in the Gateway International Raceway family are deeply saddened on the tragic death
of Darrell Russell. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire NHRA Drag
Racing community."
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.
Gateway released a statement on the death of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Darrell Russell from Vice
President & General Manager Matt Strelo:
"All of us in the Gateway International Raceway family are deeply saddened on the tragic death
of Darrell Russell. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire NHRA Drag
Racing community."
