They call these automobiles “funny cars”, but there is nothing funny about this scorching hot ride.  I hope they have air conditioning in those things!

Thankfully, both Jim Head (who was in the front car) and Jeff Arend were unharmed during this NHRA Summer Nationals drag race at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.  As for Head’s car, it may be safe to assume that it didn’t make it through this fiery race.

Why does it seem as thought the idiom “burning rubber” has often become a reality in auto racing?

Hat Tip – [The Telegraph]

On Monday during the NHRA’s event in Memphis, Wilkerson was lined up next to Ron Capps for their first round race.  The two looked to be even off the start, but only seconds in, Wilkerson’s car lost control.  Both rear wheels came off his car as he swerved left and barely missed Capps’ car.  After hitting the wall, the car flamed up and several pieces of the frame were dislodged, but Wilkerson was able to walk away.

It is amazing to see Dan come away unscathed after such a crash, especially when you consider the tragic outcomes experienced by the likes of Felipe Massa and Henry Surtees following what appeared to be much more forgiving accidents.

Someone up there must have been rooting for Wilkerson on this day.