Check out this Alky FC crash!

This was on Youtube, it's a guy from New Zealand named Tim Watkins. His chute broke loose from the car as soon as they deployed! The Catch net did it's job, I bet he's glad he wasn't racing at E-Town!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2X8L74l_bE

 

Reminds me of a similar incident years ago at Firebird. I think it was Chris Christensen ( sp? ). You could see the stroud lines werent hooked to the car as he rolled into stage and none of the crew guys caught. He made the pass and as he went for the chutes, one blossomed then fell to the track, the second one blossomed and hit the track. He continued through the shut down area and then off into the desert at the end of the shutdown area. He wasnt hurt but it couldve been bad had it been on a shorter track.

While working on Pattons car the two years I did, it was my job to hook the chutes to the chassis prior to us leaving the pits. I always had that incindent in my mind whenever I crawled under that car. I certianly didnt want John crawling up my ass if the chutes didnt work right.

 

Frankie I don't remember Chris Christenson, buy I do remember about 10-11 years ago Vern Moats didn't have a chute on a 250(?) MPH run going out the Backdoor and more at Firebird. Rick Carlson was announcing saying that Vern was headed to Tucson saying he heard they were having a Sale!

 

Darren this was probably 85 or 86 when the division race was still in January and it was still called the Super Bowl of Drag Racing. I think Chris owned Odyssey Fiberglass which produced some Funny Car bodies at the time. But then again what the hell do I know, Ive never stepped off the clutch of a 3500 HP alcohol car nor do I own one so my opnion doesnt mean squat Gotta love Rick Carlson and Johnny Moto they are definatley very cool announcers.

 

Amen to that Frankie, I grew up hearing Rich and Johnny over the loud speakers. Definitely very entertaining.