by Bobby Bennett Mon, 2020-12-14 15:59
Darrell Russell was destined for Top Fuel stardom Anyone could gauge his immense potential.
Almost before his career high gear, though, the sport was cruelly robbed of his certain greatness.
Handpicked to succeed driver/owner Joe Amato, then the winningest driver in NHRA Top Fuel history, Russell immediately proved to be the perfect choice. He won his debut as a Top Fuel competitor -- only the third driver ever to accomplish that feat -- and over the next 3 1/2 years, he charged to five more victories with 11 additional final-round appearances.