Top Fuel Dragster Explodes, Driver Antron Brown Caught In Fiery Crash At NHRA Race

Pomona, CA – A Top Fuel dragster exploded with Antron Brown at the wheel.

Sunday featured the first NHRA race of the season at the Auto Club Raceway in California. The Top Fuel dragster had just passed the finish line in the NHRA Winternationals at 300 mph when the dragster’s 8,000 horsepower engine exploded, catching the two back tires on fire.

Yahoo Sports describes how the Top Fuel dragster explosion took place:

“As Brown crossed the finish line after beating Dave Grubnic in the second round of eliminations, his car’s engine exploded with so much force that it sent his dragster onto its side and into the far wall on the left side outside of Grubnic’s lane and cracked the wall. After hitting the wall, it then skidded down the track, into another wall and into the sand pit at the end of the strip before coming to a stop.”

Fortunately, Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster was equipped with a new safety canopy that enclosed the cockpit. The safety measure was only approved several months ago but the fiery explosion barely touched Antron Brown due to its protective layer.

Fox News says Antron Brown emerged from the cash “under his own power” with the help of the NHRA Safety Safari crew and that he “received only very minor injuries in the incident.” Antron Brown did go to the hospital via an ambulance, but he has already been treated and released from the care center.

If you watch the video you’ll see that the Top Fuel dragster exploded, spreading shrapnel everywhere, and careening out of control. It’s amazing that Antron Brown was not killed, never mind getting away with few injuries.