**WARNING** Jet Dragster crash at Quaker City Raceway 7/22/2023 RIP Al Zukauskas (Hot Blade)

[@Gerry-K]

Condolences to the Zukauskas family for their loss. R.I.P.

[@Fortenurg]

A lot was lost that day. Men like that are beyond rare these days. Rest in peace.

[@daryllect6659]

...meh ...

[@FonikosGazmas]

​@@daryllect6659Likewise when you go.

[@trxtech3010]

You mean "Rest in pieces"

[@beenhog6922]

No... stupid people are everywhere these days

[@badmudderrutters7460]

​@@trxtech3010👈What an ignorant comment.

[@JBeamGT3]

hate to see it happen, as time goes on I'm very happy that Cleetus decided to turn mullet into the beast it is now v.s. following up with his jet car plans he originally had for the chassis.

[@Prof.Squarepants]

Just thinking the same thing 300 is always risky business

[@feverdream2661]

Yea but dude 200mph isnt any better. Still extremely dangerous

[@strangefruit8776]

⁠@@feverdream2661200 mph is 293 ft per second. 300 mph is 440 ft per second. I’d definitely take the 200 mph car over the 300 mph when it comes time to stop.

[@j_rainsgoat3929]

Remember when Cleet met the young lady at the rocket factory/rocket race shop. Well she passed away a few months after while running that jet car. I believe that's why clete shied away from building the rocket mullet. Good thing too.

[@feverdream2661]

@@strangefruit8776 yes of course. But either way you are traveling at death defying speeds. Maybe thats why people like 1/8 mile racing? Super fast without the insane top speed of the 1/4 mile? Idk

[@cpunut]

Things can change in an instant. So tragic. Rest In Peace.

[@Bricklinsv1970]

At least it was instant and he passed doing what he loved. RIP!

[@Cr125stin]

Hey Bricklin SV1 ! My dad had a couple Bricklins. The one he has now is a 1974 four speed car. It had a full frame off restoration.

[@SCRB1GR3D98]

If one day speed kills me, don't cry because I was smiling-Paul Walker

[@Patco11]

@@SCRB1GR3D98no, I don’t think he was.

[@mofomoco]

​@@SCRB1GR3D98speed didnt kill pw. Poorly designed porsche killed pw

[@drippinglass]

@@mofomoco The tires were old as well. But yeah, Porsche shit.

[@nashvillelewis-jones5666]

I spent alot of weekends and Wednesday nights at this track 20-30yrs ago racing. I know when I raced there, the jet cars didn't full throttle it the whole track due to the lack of the short shutdown distance at the end. I have alot of respect for anyone who drag races and an even bigger respect for the jet guys! Huge balls to run them. My condolence to his family, friends and fans. My son and nephews were there that day and texted me what had happened. They were shook up afterwards. R.I.P Sir❤🤝 NEVER forgotten!

[@khronin]

I also have raced at drag strips--you can watch my videos and they also would let these jet cars race and the track i was at had a fence at about 1.5 miles long minus the quarter mile and even in a fast street car you had to watch your brakes to stop--the fence had been rebuilt a few times over the years and the trees after the fence--200 yards plus were all burned and messed up by the cars that broke it-everyone stays floored until they are 200 yards or more after the quarter and if you have only another mile to stop--it becomes difficult if you are doing 170 plus and these jet cars were doing the 1/8th mile at 200 mph--fast street cars do it at about 90 and fast pro stock cars do it around 100 to 115--so you got only a few seconds to slow down and thats if your breakes and parachute deploy perfectly.

[@nashvillelewis-jones5666]

@@khronin 1.5 miles is alot more than Quakers shutdown area. I ran a 9 sec car and a few times I ended up in the grass at the end. Luckily I didn't go into the pond. Love the thrill of the race, but quickly turned to "OH SHIT" when chutes or brakes malfunction.

[@khronin]

Yeah Im in GA and use to run at commerce and even though it was NHRA track--I always thought that it did not have enough of a runoff area and the turn off area is about a 1/4 mile short of the runoff so if you go past that everyone has to wait as they back the cars up to get em thru the time slip area--these tracks should be miles long for any nhra dragster or jet car.Also the jet car that ran at the last one I was at--public drag night looked "homemade" and I stayed way away from it.@@nashvillelewis-jones5666

[@freedomfan4272]

RIP! I remember the first time I seen a jet dragster several years ago at Bristol aka Thunder Valley go down the track. It was a sight to see and something I'll never forget.

[@MoxieMike66]

I was in the Tower at New England Dragway when Pat Davidson crashed while making test runs, pretty much totaled the car but he walked away. Shook him up pretty bad though. Pulled the chutes, only one opened & pulled him into the jersey barriers. The jet FC body shot about 100ft into the air. Miracle he was unhurt physically. That was about 30yrs ago, w/his Under Pressure Jet FC. Shit goes bad w/jet cars, it can go really bad.

[@cooterwallace]

Dang man. R.I.P. buddy. Thank you for the years of entertainment. 😢

[@jvmiller1995]

It was only seconds for me. That is insane.

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

He was obviously a speed addict, we all know the risks & we have to go some time. RIP Mate. I am ready to try for a 500mph pass at Bonneville next year.

[@UpsideDownKid222]

We’re all speed addicts in different ways!! He will definitely never be forgotten.. Good luck to you next year!! Go crush that 500mph!! 💪🏻

[@gregorygolden1296]

Hope you get that 500mph run. You guys are a whole different breed of men. I am a huge George Poteet fan. Hoping he gets there in his Speed Demon. Again, I hope you achieve your dreams and goals. GOD BLESS ALL of you Salt Racers!!

[@DeathDealer1825]

What type of vehicle will you be running at the flats? Stay safe

[@gullreefclub]

As the late Jimmy Buffet said in one of his songs I would rather die while I am living than live while I’m dead” RIP Al “Hot Blade” Zukauskas

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

@@DeathDealer1825 4WD AA/BFS.

[@Visionery1]

While it's always sad to lose a loved one, this is a very high risk sport, he knew each trip could be his last.

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

thanks for chiming in Mr. Captain Obvious.

[@Hizziefoshizzie]

This didn’t need to be said

[@Foryourinfo369]

Visionary*

[@Visionery1]

@@Foryourinfo369 you're absolutely correct, but "Visionary" wasn't available, so I took the second option offered by Google. 👍

[@x808drifter]

​@@HizziefoshizzieSame goes for 99% of the comments on this video also.

[@Drivethefinishline]

I was sadly there in the crowd watching and it was horrific watching a 286 mph run and being so excited on how good it was, the turning around to screams and a red and black mushroom cloud. Rest in peace Al zee and best of prayers to your son Matt❤

[@larryphillips7349]

I grew up going to the drags and Im amazed at how Top Fuelers run in the 6s. 3.69 or less at 330 + and are considered safe. I remember the first rocket cars in 1970s at OCIR we were amazed. These cars can come apart at speed and they are unforgiving. Sorry to here this and prayers to his family.

[@nell-b6o]

"Everybody stayed back"...dude hoped over the fence and smiled.

[@martysquires1291]

May u rest in peace sir what a great loss prayers for his family n friends 😢😢

[@kendallevans4079]

Jet dragster? Bad idea. All the thrust is NOT transfered to the ground via wheels/tires like a conventional dragster. The jet basically pushes itself (and the rest of what's attached) regardless of wheels, steering etc....The damn thing wants to be airborne and THAT isn't what you want. You have NO control!

[@duaneayers6117]

Prayers to his family 🙏

[@vectorm4]

What were the findings? What happened and why?

[@TheyLoveAutss]

I was working that day I was in the announcing tower, he was said to hit the wall or clip one of the return road entrances and his gas tank exploded under his seat.

[@charlesaderholt9906]

RIP.....best passing is to go out doing what u love: always better to live it though.....RIP, and prayers for the family!!!!

[@shadinafundark3051]

I still can't believe he crashed at the track😔 it was a very traumatic moment that happened in front of my eyes RIP al zee

[@UpsideDownKid222]

Same here, I can’t believe that happened right in front of me

[@silverback8183]

What happened? I can't make it out in the video

[@ralfie8801]

@@silverback8183 Apparently the front end of the car lifted as the chute(s) caught the air and he hit an opening in the guardrail for a turnout. The car disintegrated as it struck the guardrail. Right or wrong, the info is from a drag racing magazine.

[@silverback8183]

@@ralfie8801 thank you.

[@ralfie8801]

@@silverback8183 👍

[@rexmayn3171]

So sad, didn’t know him but I hope he rests in peace.

[@Tank-n7t]

Go Rosanne. My mother and I loved watching your show. Not all of us can be as articulate as others, I'm not much of a public speaker either. Just hang in tough

[@seethekarma]

I hate it when it's in front of people. When it's supposed to be a good time. Never wanna see your friends lose their life doing what they love. R.i.p. thats so sad.

[@astralmiind]

It takes guts to strap yourself in front of a jet engine with wheels, guts they don’t really make anymore. Rest In Peace🕊

[@chadsmusiccreations]

The way it looks I wonder if it was a full throttle run away, that was way too fast for that track what a wild ride rest in peace. Died doing something he loved and enjoyed doing.

[@leechild4655]

what happened, his engine caught fire and blew up? He went off the track or hit something? we couldnt see anything but a quick fire and then black smoke and parts flying.

[@rcnelson]

Seconded. There's no explanation here at all.

[@shilpwift3366]

Throttle stuck from the looks of it

[@shilpwift3366]

The large amounts of smoke before he hits the retainer net and blows up is likely from him locking up the brakes, but they can't do anything with a jet engine at WOT going 290 mph.

[@user-nz1wy3oy6k]

​@@rcnelson He crashed into the wall because his parachute didn't work and it exploded on impact. I was there myself

[@TheyLoveAutss]

I was working that day and he clipped a turn off, leading to the dragster to explode.

[@EvLSpectre]

Holy crap this was like 20 days after Shockwave too

[@UPsideDOWNworld321]

Thats a blessing to die instant, God Bless this man for showing kids cool things that they could not see with out someone like him!!

[@majorcarlton137]

So sorry to hear of this. Thanks for sharing this with others though. 🙏

[@jermyeder2262]

0 to 286 in 5.51 seconds man that is fast

[@sunstruckfarms4489]

Still 50 mph and 2 sec slower then top fuel

[@Tailspin80]

It was the 286 to 0 in 0.01 second that was the issue.

[@Meech616]

I think he passed out from the G forces 😢 I'm probably wrong though

[@DixieNormas]

@@Tailspin80 🤣

[@JGunit]

"Did he wreck?" Nothing gets by that one

[@JIMJAMSC]

Known as a keeper. "Honey" did you just buy that Corvette sitting in the driveway?" What Corvette babe???? Uuuuhhh.... Ok. Sorry.

[@samholdsworth420]

Did you just jizz on my face?

[@TomLymberopoulos-du5he]

I've been to the drag's when I was younger and the most I hated was the "bickering" and "fighting" for who had the best car or the fastest times ever to grace the Dragstrip. I still love the drags, but these days I watch them on youtube. I was very saddened to read about a death though. My HEARTFELT CONDOLENSES to the ZUKAUSKAS for their loss R.I.P

[@SooHooSamaSito]

Did the vehicle simply explode or did it hit the wall first?

[@OldGeezer55]

What actually happened? Unable to stop? Engine blew up? Hard to tell at this angle.

[@Randomperson-271]

Did the brakes fail did the parachute not do its job did the throttle get stuck

[@looneylonzo28]

what the hell happened? Shoot deployed he look like he was going straight what the hell did he hit? Because that was a big impact explosion at the end there’s obviously more to this.

[@UpsideDownKid222]

Not sure honestly, the impact at the end was him hitting the 45 degree barrier for the turn off so something threw him left hard at the end into the turn off wall, thats why the dragster panels all went out to the right into the grass.. The cage where he was sitting ended up in the right lane facing towards the starting line and there was literally nothing left of the chassis but the top tubes where his helmet was

[@mrbigw100]

Anyone know the cause of the crash

[@rickyism1576]

Was this an 1/8th mile? Why was back half of the track so short? or did he go over the barrier?

[@Drivethefinishline]

Quarter mile and he went over the wall

[@DownsouthMan]

Sorry for the family’s loss! Did the throttle valve get stuck open?

[@Gwydion_Wolf]

looked like the car simply exploded shortly after popping the shoot? or did something else happen?

[@dirtcheapmedia3390]

Sooo. Did it explode before it got to the end of the shutdown area?

[@user-nz1wy3oy6k]

No it crashed and it exploded. I was there myself

[@BobaJett]

What exactly happened?

[@sleeeper88]

The jet engines in heaven are even bigger and better. Rip

[@paulmca8514]

Look at that Jed at 0.50 pointing at the cloud laughing and scratching his balls as some poor guy died.-sickening lack of empathy.

[@critterIMHO]

Does anyone know what caused this? It looked like the car was going straight.

[@staticoverlay]

What went wrong? Mechanical failure or error?

[@TheyLoveAutss]

he clipped the wall and exploded

[@mojo6524]

stuff happens when you tickle the dragon's tail.

[@joechancio5177]

Damn thats horrible. Rip my man.

[@BigKandRtv]

Tragic. RIP Mr. Z. What happened? Cross wind after the chutes opened?

[@UpsideDownKid222]

We’re not sure honestly, the first explosion was the turbine and we think that might of picked up the back end of the dragster since the chute was deployed and drove him into the left turn off wall at the end..

[@videostar07]

@@UpsideDownKid222 Was there supposed to be 2 chutes out instead of one?

[@philup6274]

Did he hit a wall what happened?

[@flashy5150]

What happened, did his parachute not open or what ?

[@Dude-i8l]

That’s why I don’t ride a motorcycle anymore. I don’t want to die doing what I was born for and extremely love. Left riding 22 years ago. No disrespect. RIP with Jesus.

[@jeeperzcreeperzz]

The tires are right next to the fuel tanks... same way Shockwave driver crashed and died. It's a dangerous sport

[@erpfanatic6586]

Almost seems like it ramped off the uphill section directly into the left wall. Hard to tell by the available video.

[@ahalfsesameseedbun7472]

Its a fucking miracle Hammond survived his accident. Rip to this man.

[@RogueDart45]

What went wrong here? He went full launch past the timers and stuff? Did the car boost due to a fault or something?

[@supermarionewhenry6586]

ice pop prime: i love drag cars HOLYY CRAPP!!! IT CRASHED!!!

[@joepatenaude3957]

God speed 🙏 i do hope he didn't feel a thing and i hope he had a smile on his face on that fast pass R.I.P

[@UPsideDOWNworld321]

did he hit a wall or did it blow up i am not sure by the video can anyone answer or have a link that shows how it happens ????

[@Drivethefinishline]

So what we think happened was the jets on his car kept going and had a malfunction. That caused his to lose control and wheelie it. Then he hit the second turn off section and flipped over the wall splitting into like 2 or 3 different sections

[@davidmarijuano]

much love ❤❤

[@stoker20]

Looks like the car blew up on the shut down and then he crashed?????????

[@adamwilson7590]

Rest in Peace Al ❤‍🩹

[@MultiSkyman1]

Exactly what happened here?

[@slavkoprkusic35]

Blessings

[@volcwatcher7563]

Rest In Pieces 😔

[@zealandwylie489]

Anyone know what happened?

[@rmp5s]

5.51 at 286...jeez...that's FLYING!!!

[@larryphillips7349]

3.70 at 330 in TF is moving also.

[@wolfracing9504]

No shit

[@donnie017]

#Prayers #WellTakeItFromHere 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@schwags1969]

RIP, racing is a dangerous sport.

[@bogey19018]

What did he hit?

[@gunn13fan]

Has anyone said about the cause of the accident?

[@petervranesh7045]

So what actually happened? Pretty hard to see from the video. Did he lose control?

[@akhenatenuhuru7695]

Yes

[@PaulRhodes420]

Damn! R.I.P. 🙏❤️ 🇺🇲 So sad! 😢

[@boomerps2]

How is there no camera on the other end of the track?

[@Rocinante_1980]

You drive at speeds like that long enough. Speed eventually fights back and you get results like this. These men know each race they do could be there last.

[@grumpyolman405]

Does anyone know exactly what happened? I've seen this man run a number of times. Rip.

[@905Alive]

doesn't seem to be definitive, they said he lost control and hit the side barrier and the car exploded and rolled, could be something snapped in the front end, ???

[@grumpyolman405]

@905Alive thanks for the reply. I've seen him run several times. He always seemed to have good running equipment and a very good head on his shoulders. I hate to hear about his passing. We've lost so many great ones, including Don Schumacher, just the other day. At least he passed doing what he loved.

[@user-nz1wy3oy6k]

​@@grumpyolman405 his parachute didn't work and he lost control and hit the wall which caused the explosion. I was there myself

[@grumpyolman405]

@@user-nz1wy3oy6k oh boy, that had to be rough to watch. Thanks for the response. Take care

[@dmeemd7787]

I haven’t had a chance to look at what happened yet but yeah, this is really sad…..

[@frankcastle5294]

These jets have always been incredibly dangerous. Anything at all goes wrong with the chute system and the driver is usually killed. About the same as parachuting out of an airplane.

[@oni-one574]

Did the track just end or something? What did he even hit?

[@shilpwift3366]

Typically drag strips have a sand trap and net at the end.

[@davidwaun2276]

Any reason known for the crash? Engine explosion sherds tire? Driver lost control?

[@user-nz1wy3oy6k]

The parachute didn't work

[@jvmiller1995]

I hope he is okay!!!.. Wow did she not see the ball of fire and the sudden stop at almost 300mph????...

[@DortonFarb]

Was it Hamster again?

[@toejam7606]

Suicide run, dude pulled a 5.51 at 286 and kept the throttle on

[@clqudy4750]

Went out in a blaze of glory! RIP.

[@nizo6673]

Does anyone know what went wrong?? Looks like he crashed to me

[@pesetamaya3509]

Rest in peace, buddy, rest in peace.

[@chrisheffernan6600]

It was tough to see what actually happened. It looked like he went down the track straight?

[@davekreitzer4358]

Very unfortunate , indeed ! 😔

[@SilentWulf427]

Did I hear it correctly at the end that they're gonna have fire night in honor of the guy who just died in a firey explosion?

[@xThemisJr]

Mean fuckin pull, but R.I.P. Condolences to the Family, that was really Bad....

[@johnhanson1439]

God speed my friend.

[@80sCrazyCatDadNGunAddiction]

Interesting to note, people who are the most outgoing tend to lead dangerous lives resulting in an untimely death.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Pardon my ignorance but this looked more like an explosion rather than a crash. Can anyone enlighten us further as to what actually happened? Condolences to the family and his many fans.

[@MOAB-UT]

Most talented dude that day is in the hat 0:45. Least intelligent comment 0:48...huge fireball, asks "Dad, did he wreck?" R.I.P. Play stupid games though, you will eventually win stupid prizes.

[@JohnBurke-d8m]

What about the guy standing on top of the fence

[@billmadison2032]

RIP Al

[@lazylion420]

*"Gee, I hope he's ok."* - some dumb woman

[@McKeelix]

Hey, it’s amazing what people can walk away from. Sometimes things look worse than they are. Sadly this was not one of those times.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

🙏R.I.P. Zee 🙏

[@leifhoffman6533]

"Rest in Peace" Al.

[@davidortiz173]

RIP brother 🙏