Gull Lake, Michigan drag racer Mike Wenzler, a regular face on the Drag Week trail with his nitrous oxide-assisted Chevrolet Camaro, passed away last week following a freak accident in preparation for this week’s event.

Wenzler, who has campaigned the ex-Pro Stock 1987 Camaro on Drag Week in recent years, reportedly sustained critical injuries when a stainless steel fitting failed while he was filling a nitrous oxide bottle in his trailer. According to family, Wenzler was found unconscious an estimated 2.5 hours after the incident occurred and was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat severe head injuries. Wenzler was to remain in a medically induced coma to allow his body to heal, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on September 7.

Dragzine extends its thoughts and condolences to the Wenzler family and the friends and extended racing family of Mike Wenzler.