Lawren Jones, 59, a longtime drag racer and former NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competitor, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a high-speed racing accident on Friday, July 5, at the Albuquerque Dragway in Albuquerque, N.M.

Image credit: Shawn Jones on Facebook

Jones was at the track making testing and licensing passes in his sleek new 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Pro Modified machine when, according to a local Sheriff report, he lost control of the car at over 200 mph, rolled several times, and went over a barrier. Jones was transported by helicopter to a medical facility where he later passed away. It is unknown at this time what caused the accident.

According to a posting by Jones on his personal Facebook page, his first passes in the Nomad were completed a day prior on the 4th of July at the Albuquerque facility, where he completed three runs in total toward gaining his license. Following that successful first outing, Jones was excited to get back to the track on Friday to get more runs under his belt.

Area news stations were reporting from the the track on Saturday, where local racers, all of whom considered Jones a friend, were racing with heavy hearts. Many carried messages on their race cars to honor the life of the racer taken too soon.

We here at Dragzine extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lawren Jones.