Winternationals feeelings after the event

It has been nearly a week since the events of February 17, 2013 occured at the O Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals in Pomona, California. The season began with such promise. Antron Brown, coming off of his historic 2012 Top Fuel Championship looking to begin the season with a win. Brittany Force, daughter of 15 x FC champ John Force joining the Top Fuel ranks along with Leah Pruett, Former NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Champion and Pro Mod event winner. All were looking to begin the season on a high note but what happened during the second round of Top Fuel changed the tone of the entire event.

In the second round of Top Fuel Antron Brown faced off against David Grubnic. At the start, Grubnic went into tire smoke as Brown streaked away to the victory. Just as the Matco Tools Top Fueler driver crossed the line, the engine exploded in a shower of sparks. Debris from the engine shredded both rear tires sending the car into a hard impact with the wall, tearing huge pieces of concrete from catch fencing at the top end of the track requiring extensive repairs. The car then slid down the track on its right side and into the sand trap at the top end. In all the years i've been to different races, I've not heard an impact such as I did this day. The NHRA Safety Safari Crew arrived on the scene immediately and were able to help Antron out of the car as the closed canopy did its job protecting the driver from catastrophic injuries.

Crowds as much as ten deep awaited the arrival of Antron to his garage area. When he did return, a roar of applause engulfed the garage area. The Matco Tools/DSR Team exchanged high fives and hugs with each other knowing that their driver was alright. Antron and his sense of humor was evident as he asked Crew Chief Brian Coradi to bring out a back up car. It is amazing to think that through an accident such as that, his humor was very much intact.

Much of the talk after the accident centered on mandatory use of the closed canopy as the thoughts of many swayed in different directions.  The fact that it saved the life of one of the most loved and respected Top Fuel Champions in Drag Racing History was a huge relief to many. Will it become mandatory, only time will tell. The NHRA has given Top fuel Teams the choice whether or not they choose to run their cars with a closed canopy and there is no evidence of a performance advantage. But for the simple fact that it prevented further injuries from such an accident, teams should seriously consider running their cars with it. It will save a drivers life.