His vision, support and contributions to the growth of the Kalitta Air fleet are imperative to the future of Kalitta. Data Processor - OSC Hangar Maintenance. "He was almost crying," Scott says of thatmoment five years ago. Even then, I always hoped the day would come when I could get into a dragster. "I look at every situation as being a book," says Connie, whonever attended college. Moreover, he is now an American executive and businessman, and he is still earning a lot of money from the same. Even he has mentioned no fear of returning to his drivers seat again. His engine roars likean angry dinosaur, and in 4.86 seconds he wins the round. "The adrenaline is awesome. By John Teresi, October 28, 2010 in WIP: Drag Racing Models. She is responsible and ensures compliance in employment matters, handles audits involving federal and state agencies, and continues to serve on the Kalitta Air Management team in the collective bargaining negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on the pilot contract. Several minutes later Scott hits the gas. I still have to add money from my own pocket. He is 84 years old at the moment (24 February 1938). Four ways the Dodgers can fill the hole in their lineup. By: Kelly Crandall, Josh Bilicki will run NASCAR Xfinity Series races for DGM Racing and Cup Series races for Live Fast Motorsports, but not full-time. And thats the spirit we should keep throughout our life. Two Indy Racing League drivers, Tony Stewart and Arie Luyendyk, and two CART drivers, Al Unser Jr. and Jimmy Vasser, have been named to drive in the four-race International Race of Champions, starting Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. The Height of Connie Kalitta is 1.71m. At last year'sSpringnationals, in Kirkersville, Ohio, Scott's engine explodedin a ball of flame, sending parts everywhere. Connie Kalitta was born to his parents in Michigan on 24th February 1938. A regional captain friend of mine has a lazy eye, so it's clearly not a showstopper. Connie Kalitta is a legend in the world of drag racing. Greg Strzynski is the Companys Chief Financial Officer, a position that he has held since January of 2006. Prior to his employment with Kalitta Air, Sanderlin was the Director of Operations for Trans Continental Airlines and Kitty Hawk International Airlines and was a contractual Aviation Consultant. Im easy with employees. Davey Hamilton, whose regular job is driving an Indy Racing League car, is entered in all four races on what is called the worlds fastest mile. The 34-year-old Las Vegas driver has been racing in the Copper World since 1984 and has won four super modified races. These are happy days in the house of Kalitta. Look at the . Connie Kalitta was one of the first to use the 427 SOHC Ford in a AA/Fuel Dragster. Both havedeveloped ways to cope with the lost time. McCulloch will work alongside Elliot on the DHL/Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragster for Langdon with drag racing legend Connie Kalitta making the final tuning decisions. [3], Kalitta was runner-up at the 1963 NHRA Winternationals in Top Gas and at the 1965 NHRA SpringNationals in Top Fuel. Of his son's success Connie says only, "Scott readsthe book well.". Connie Kalitta is a American sports Businessman Questions and Answers What is his estimated net worth? Now he is a successful businessman and former of Kalitta Air. Riding back to the pits after that race, Connie jumped up anddown inside the van, pumping a fist and waving to the crowd. Connie Kalitta raced from the 1950's through the 1990's. During the prime of his racing career, he was known as the "The Bounty Hunter." In 1992, he was elected into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. C/D: Anything youd have done differently? He started racing cars when he was just 21 years old. He has been a successful businessman. ", Scott says he blanks opponents out of his mind, but it's noaccident that he can tell exactly how many times he has smokedPop. Scott moved in with Connie when he was 16 because his mother wasno longer able to control him. He is an American businessman and former drag racing driver. "It wasn't him in there. I used to own some hobby aircraft, but I got rid of them. He is also known as the Bounty Hunter. Hirashima, who died in 1980, rode with Rex Mays in 1935 and 1936, when Mays was the pole-sitter, and also built the engine Rodger Ward won with in 1959. . In1975 Connie and his wife, Maryann, divorced. In 1993, free of the alcohol problem and reunited with tuner Johnny Goad, Graham made one of racings most remarkable comebacks. He began drag racing in the 50s, and earned the nickname, "The Bounty Hunter". Ive driven in three divisions on the same weekend before. Tim brings over 25 years of experience to Kalitta Air. Some people know him as the CEO of Kalitta air. CK: Ninety percent business, 10 percent racing. Somehow he keptthe car on the track and upright. COLOR PHOTO:BILL ADAMS SR. Connie, who survived this grim crash in 1990, is all smiles with Scott (center) and grandson Corey. C/D: Given your prickly association with Shirley, did you hesitate to take on Alexis DeJoria as your driver? In a word, its HUGE. Nationals. Rhodes became the Vice President of Operations and the FAA 119 Director of Operations in September of 2019. He was the son of Comrad,"Connie" Kalitta who also raced and owned the team.His cousin Doug Kalitta is also a driver for the team. Raconteur,fighter, charmer, self-made man, Connie Kalitta is legend cometo life. "Dada pretty soon, huh?". C/D: You have a reputation for being demanding. No sense inturning away. Prior to becoming the HR Director, Ms. Stockton served as an attorney at Kelsey Law Group. "Mornin', Corey," Connie says to the raffish fellow at his knee. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! Thats when the state police parked their cruiser in front of us. It's not often thata son sees into a father's heart, and Scott Kalitta gets fewerglimpses than most. Connie Kalittas net worth is approximated to be around $210 million. Studying classical philosophy and, Connie Kalitta Social Media Accounts update 2021. TopFuel drag racing is not a sport for dabblers. "When he'sgone," says the son, "it's really going to present a big hole. Whichis how his father always hoped it would be. It's all part of what we do. The Kalittas made drag racing history at Houston when they ran the quickest side-by-side race ever--Scott's 4.748 seconds beating his father's 4.789. He is nicknamed "The Bounty Hunter". CK: A King Air for nearby races. He is known for his business acumen. Apr 16, 2020. ", The father shrugs. He also failed to win. Its purpose is for maintenance of my aircraft. As we previously mentioned, Connie was very private about his relationship. He is currently qualified on the B747-400 and B777 aircraft and maintains Check Pilot and Aircrew Program Designee status on both fleets. Connie led him to the craft,and in the cockpit the hijacker grabbed for the throttle. Dougie [Kalittas nephew and lead driver] is our pilot. [5] In 2001, the 50th Anniversary list of National Hot Rod Association Top 50 Drivers, 1951-2000, ranked Kalitta at #21.[2]. Connie Kalitta Personal Information: "Read the book, and it will tell youwhat to do." I knew the police would comeor I hoped. [6] He is the uncle of racer Doug Kalitta. He is one of the most famous racers of the timewho is known for his fast driving speed. * FUNNY CAR--4.907 seconds by Al Hofmann, February 1997; 311.85 mph by Al Hofmann, February 1997. All rights reserved. Its something Ive always wanted to do, Hamilton said of his four-race effort. 1938 in Michigan. ", An ambulance sped Connie to the hospital. After sitting out the 1995 season, he was back in 1996, strong enough to finish third in the Pomona half-mile, and he raced a full season last year. Connie Kalitta's net worth is $210 million. He raced from the 1950s through the 1990s. 2023 Power Automedia. Ken McAlpine, who lives in Ventura, Calif., is a frequentcontributor to Sports Illustrated. When we went to zoomie headers that turn upward, there went my hearing. * TOP FUEL--4.564 seconds by Joe Amato, February 1997; 319.71 mph by Cory McClenathan, January 1998. Kalitta of Palmetto, Fla., started his career at Old Bridge in 1982. George Kelsey is a member of the Kalitta Air Board of Directors and is the Companys secretary. And I have four cars. The 50,000-square-foot building at the Kalitta headquarters was constructed 10 years ago in an industrial park to meet the growth of the team, which 74-year-old Connie Kalitta started in 1957. With his good eye he assesses his colleagues. The noise juggled the brain in my skull. In the aftermath of Scott Kalitta's fatal accident, the NHRA made a number of changes to improve safety on the drag strip. Also very lucky. His aviation experience includes Line and Hangar maintenance, Landing Gear Shop maintenance, FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance School instruction and administration. Also, many of our racetracks were built in the 60snot much real estate for runoff. . In the year 1967, he won the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) Winter nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, which was his first major win. Physical Status; Height: Not Available: . In 1991, when he was USAC rookie of the year in midgets, he drove in the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Saugus Speedway. At knifepoint, I led him into the jet but didnt lock the door behind us. Connie was the first driver in an NHRA sanctioned event to hit 200 mph mark in the speed-o-meter. Also a nine-seat Falcon 20. . First, Kalitta achieved a lot in life as a racer, and the best among them is the nickname given to him, The Bounty Hunter. Capable of air express delivery of virtually any type of freight, the company provides scheduled and on-demand charter service for customers in the United States and around the world, including the Unites States Postal Service and Air Mobility Command. CK: True. C/D: Are you ever tempted to walk into one of your hangars and say, I think Ill fly to Rome today? So he climbed into the right seat, and I started the engines, just idling. Investigators from the Salinas Rural Fire Department estimated the fire started at 10 p.m., possibly from a pot left on a stove. C/D: We assume youre now in better health. Well take a commercial flight. Let's celebrate by reliving his 1994 #USNats win! When we asked for a credit card, he opened his briefcase and pulled out a knife. Scott Kalitta, son of drag racing legend Connie Kalitta and two-time NHRA Top Fuel Dragster World Champion, died Saturday afternoon, June 21, while on a qualifying run for the Lucas Oil NHRA. He has a very successful Motor Sports company that gives him around 20 million dollars every year. That investment in a single plane has become one of the most successful airline charters in the world. Connie Kalitta is celebrating his 61st season in NHRA drag racing, first as a driver and then team owner and . I watched what she was doingcrashing. 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