A drag racer was killed in an accident on July 21, 2023, while racing at U.S. 41 Motorplex in Morocco, Indiana. A day later, a jet drag racing community member succumbed to injuries sustained in a high-speed crash.

A statement issued by the Newton County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Department confirmed that it responded to the US 41 Motorplex for reports of a fatal injury crash involving one vehicle.

A preliminary investigation by Deputy Sanders indicated a 1996 Mustang (driven by a 45-year-old man from Mackinaw, Ill.) was making a solo pass when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed just past the finish line. The Mustang collided with a guardrail, causing it to go airborne before it stopped in a wooded area. The crash resulted in the car catching fire and the racer’s death.

The identity of the driver was not released in the sheriff department’s report.

“We are truly devastated,” the track said on its Facebook page. “We send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the racers family and friends during this most difficult time. We ask for all our racers and fans to join us in prayers to them and all that we’re affected by this tragedy. We also want to thank everyone that helped us during and after the accident; we cannot express how much your efforts meant to us.”

The track thanked its staff, Beaver Township fire/rescue, Jasper County EMS and medical staff, Newton County sheriff's office, and Indiana State Police for their assistance, adding that the facility "is closed until further notice."

The agencies assisting on the call included the Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Newton County EMS, Morocco Fire Department, Indiana State Police, and Newton County Coroner.

A little over 380 miles away in Salem, Ohio, veteran jet car racer Al “Zee” Zukauskas crashed during a race at Quaker City Motorsports Park, and his car rolled over, erupting in flames.

The accident, captured on video, showed the jet dragster colliding with the retaining wall before it burst into flames. Zukauskas was estimated to have been traveling more than 280 miles per hour when the impact with the wall occurred.

The circumstances leading to the crash at Quaker City Motorsports Park remain under investigation as officials review video footage captured by spectators.

Quaker City Motorsports Park posted the following on its Facebook page.

The Fox family and all the QCMP staff want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Al Zukauskas, the driver of Hot Blade. He was a long time racer who tragically lost his life in a high speed crash at Quaker City Motorsports Park on Saturday July 22. To spectators, Al was a great racer. To the racing community, Al was a father, husband, and a friend who enjoyed racing and entertaining crowds. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

May God bless you and keep you for all eternity.

Your friend, Norm

The motorsports community has since rallied together to pay tribute to Zukauskas, flooding social media platforms with condolences and admiration for his skills as a racer. The loss of a beloved member of the racing community serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with this thrilling sport.

The International Hot Rod Association sanctions both facilities.