50-year old Fuel Altered racer Brett Henry has died from injuries he sustained in a top-end accident at the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California.

Henry, from Wichita, Kansas, was driving his Iron Mistress AA/Fuel Altered in Friday’s opening round of qualifying when, according to a published report from The Bakersfield Californian, the throttle may have hung open on the supercharged, nitro-burning powerplant past the finish stripe, sending Henry out of control and into the guardrail. After several tense moments, Henry was reported to be alert and speaking with medical personnel before being extricated from the car and transported to Kern Medical Center. He remained under treatment there over the weekend before word of his passing this morning.

Henry, the co-founder and CEO of logistics company Henry Industries, Inc., leaves behind a wife, Laura, daughters Crystal and Faith, and a son, Wyatt.

Social media has been alight this morning as fellow racers and fans remember the likable Henry and offer their condolences to the Henry family during their difficult time.

Kansas-area racer and promoter Anthony Dockens wrote: I just got word that one of our Great Racers and friends passed away Saturday night in an accident at another drag strip! I’m thankful to have gotten to know this guy and thankful for his support to our events. He gave money without anyone even knowing he donated to our events and supported our Crypt Keeper project! He called himself my silent partner! He gave us the money to go re-run Chuck! I am thankful for him having faith in me when I felt like no one else did! I’m gonna miss seeing him at the race track and watching him run some great times down the track! You will be forever missed! Hope there is a big race track in the Sky for you to enjoy! Fly High Brett Henry RIP!

The Meltdown Drags staff added: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brett Henry. We always had a blast hanging out in the pits with him and watching him run the heck out of the Iron Mistress at the Meltdown Drags. God Speed my friend.