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Darrell Russell Dies at End of Run at Gateway

Written by Josh Katinger · June 27, 2004

Photo: NHRA.com

NHRA Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell was tragically killed today at Gateway Raceway. Russell had set the track record on Saturday in his run to the number 1 qualifying spot for this weekend’s Sears Craftsman Nationals.


NHRA.com: Top Fuel racer Darrell Russell fatally injured
ThatsRacin.com: Top Fuel driver killed in crash at end of run at Gateway
SFGate.com: NHRA driver dies after his dragster breaks up

Darrell had just come across the stripe in a second round match up against Scott Kalitta when something at the rear of his car exploded at about 300 mph, perhaps a tire shred. The car rapidly disintegrated and began to move over into Kalitta’s lane but a major collision of the two cars was avoided. The NHRA Safety Safari was on scene immediately and extinguished a large fire that erupted around the stricken car’s engine.

Less than two hours after the wreck occurred NHRA Sr. VP of Racing Operations Graham Light informed the media that Russell had died at St. Louis University Hospital.

“Unfortunately, Darrell has succumbed to his injuries,” Light said. “He was one of our most popular drivers. All I can say is that the NHRA extends its condolences to his family, to the Joe Amato Racing team and to the racing community.”

FastMachines.com joins the NHRA family in expressing our deepest sympathies to Darrell Russell’s family and friends.

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Comments

26 Responses to “Darrell Russell Dies at End of Run at Gateway”

  1. Ryne Hoover on June 27th, 2004 11:42 pm

    I had the honor to meet Darrell at a event once. One of the nicest gus ever. This is a very tragic end to a terrific mans life. RIP Darrell. You Will Be Missed.

  2. Nicole Mandery on June 27th, 2004 11:50 pm

    I have met Darrell Russell at a few events and I have to say that he was one of my favorites. A couple years ago in Seattle at the race Darrell Russell won and so did the team that I was there with. He is a great person and I will miss him greatly and I am sure many other people will also. Rest in Peace Darrell. I will always remember you. You were a wonderful racer.

  3. Mark KES on June 28th, 2004 12:07 am

    A very sad day!
    RIP Darrell

  4. Kevin Torpey on June 28th, 2004 12:20 am

    It is a sad day when someone who is chasing their dreams is suddenly taken from the world we know. Rest in peace Darell Russel. May you be racing the angels to heaven.

  5. The Taylors in North Carolina on June 28th, 2004 12:28 am

    We had the pleasure of meeting Darrell Russell at the NHRA Races in Arizona. He was so kind to us. We have pictures of him with my husband. The Racing world has lost a hero tonight. He was such a great man. God Bless his family and friends. RIP Darrell……We will not forget you..

  6. JR on June 28th, 2004 12:48 am

    It is a sad day for NHRA.
    I will miss seeing Darell hauling the mail down the 1/4.GOD bless you Darell and may God be with your family.YOU WILL BE MISSED.

  7. GARY GRAY on June 28th, 2004 12:48 am

    Darrell was one of the really good guys of NHRA drag racing and was always humble both in victory and defeat. In todays world of corporate pressure aimed at winning at all costs the world of drag racing lost one of the true gentlemen of the sport. NHRA and all the fans have lost a hero.
    God Bless Darrell Russell and his family!!

  8. Vickie Nation on June 28th, 2004 12:13 pm

    I’m so very sadden by the news of Darrell. I had worked with Darrell at Oceans Int’l for years and he was like a brother to me. As anyone that knew Darrell knows what a Great Loss this is. My prayers are with his family always. Vickie Nation

  9. Sandra Bohannan on June 28th, 2004 12:58 pm

    I met Darrell at Pomona in 2001 his rookie year. I had recognized Joe Amato and asked him for his autograph. He then introduced me to his new driver Darrell Russell and stated he should sign first. Darrell then so graciously signed my hat and a t-shirt. As did Mr. Amato. I feel honored to have met him and to have had the chance to watch him these past few years. He will truly be missed by NHRA fans and all race fans. It’s a terrible reminder that racing in all forms is a dangerous profession and I ask God to Bless Darrell, his family and all who are sufferring through this loss.

  10. Charlie on June 29th, 2004 11:35 am

    The image of him sliding backwards engulfed in flames will stay with me forever.

  11. Cecelia Conway on June 29th, 2004 12:41 pm

    I had the privalage to watch Darrell win the race this year at national trail raceway. I can say with all my heart that i was overjoyed when he won. I screamed YEAH!! at the top of my lungs. Even though tony schumacher was in the other lane. last night i was struck speachless when i was informed of his most untimely accident. and i cannot help but think that this has been a very bad four years for the raceing community as a hole. First the loss of Dale Earnhardt then Andrew Cowin and now Darrell Russell. I would like to congrajulate Julie on finding the nicest man on earth to marry and I wish I could be at the visitation in Texas but I just cannot get there right now. Darrell Russell was a true legend in this fast paced raceing community and he is my hero.

  12. matt miller on June 29th, 2004 2:23 pm

    i enjoyed watching Darrel Russel race and win you were a great guy and it is very sad to know that you are not here with us anymore you will be missed

  13. Chris on June 29th, 2004 2:33 pm

    I will never forget what I saw at Gateway Int’l Raceway. Sitting in the stands watching what happened was horrifying. I can honestly say I felt like I lost a family member. Rest in Peace.

  14. Terry on June 29th, 2004 4:49 pm

    still hard to believe, i’m very sad. RIP Darrell. =[

  15. johnny dofflemyer on June 29th, 2004 5:43 pm

    I thought you were a good racer and i got your car on my display in my garage people will miss you.RIP DARREL

  16. Aidan heatley-smith on June 30th, 2004 5:15 pm

    Im 15 and im from england and i have been following darrells preformance all year and he was the one i was ruting for most of the NHRA season.I was listening to the audio broadcast at 1.15am when the accident happened and thought he would walk away uninjured but tragically this did not happen.It makes me think because my dad is a top fuel racer,(smax smith), and he has had many accidents like that before and walked away with no injuries so Its a real shame that it happened so all my thoughts and feelings go out to darrells family and friends and to the whole amato team xxxxxx

  17. Chris on June 30th, 2004 5:16 pm

    I was at the 3 day Sears Craftsman Nationals. Darrell was a true competitor, a fan favorite, a an inspiration to all who new him. May God Bless and Comfort the Darrell Russell Family! He will greatly be missed.

  18. JT on June 30th, 2004 7:40 pm

    We Love and miss you Darrell. You will not be forgotten. A picture of you and I in Phoenix resides on my desktop wallpaper. Your in the Lord’s hands now, but you will be in my heart forever. Rest In Peace. You will be truly missed.
    Love,
    JT

  19. Anonymous on July 1st, 2004 12:26 am

    I’m not going to be sad. Darrell Russell lived a great life, did exactly what he wanted to do at an extremely high level and was very successful at it. He lived a short life, but oh what a life it was! Don’t focus on the loss. Focus on the wins! That is the way every driver wants to be remembered.

  20. Mr.C. A Jackson on July 3rd, 2004 1:38 pm

    If I were to say Goodyear should be held responsible for this.
    The NHRA as well shares responsibility as well with the madatory tire change that caused so many problems this race season.

    Its a miracle more people havent been killed due to those tires.

    My prayers to Darrell Russell.

  21. Dwayne Leddon on July 3rd, 2004 4:43 pm

    I just learned of this tragic event (7/3/04). A week later. Another great lost to the racing world. An outstanding gentleman & a fast rising star in the NHRA losted so quick. As least he died doing what he loved. May The Lord be with his family & may he continue with his racing dreams in Heaven. God Bless

  22. Dwayne Leddon on July 3rd, 2004 4:43 pm

    I just learned of this tragic event (7/3/04). A week later. Another great lost to the racing world. An outstanding gentleman & a fast rising star in the NHRA losted so quick. As least he died doing what he loved. May The Lord be with his family & may he continue with his racing dreams in Heaven. God Bless

  23. David Teets on July 18th, 2004 12:00 pm

    Our deepset sympathy is with Darrel Russel and Joe Ammato’s family’s at this time. May god be with you through this time.

  24. Richard A. Martz III on July 19th, 2004 1:12 am

    Darrell Russell will be sadly missed in the sport of drag racing. You couldn’t ask for and nicer or classy driver the Darrell. it was always a pleasure to watch Darrell and see him grow and progress in his career and carry on as a great driver. He will always be one of my favorite drivers and I will always remember him. God has taken a fine individual for his own reasons. I’m sure he just wanted to learn how to drive a dragster and picked the nicest person to teach him how! Darrell You will be sadly missed. My prayers go out to your family. God bless them and god bless you.

  25. Jake W. on September 4th, 2004 11:27 pm

    Darrell was my favorite driver, he will be missed. i wish the best for his family, and close friends. R.I.P buddy

  26. Edward Carrillo on January 12th, 2006 1:51 am

    Darrell Russell was a great friend, he meant the world to me. I wish the best for his family and for Joe Amato. He will be missed, as I dwell each day with sadness, I try my best to move on in life. Rest in peace. Darrell, I Love You thanks for everything you did for me buddy, your never be forgotten. I talk to you parents as much as possible. Peace out

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