At what point do you think Jones thought. "Oh this is going to leave a mark". Photos: Chris Simmons

Physics may give the world some of the most harsh reactions when it comes to automobiles. The wheelie is one of the most sought after actions in drag racing from the driver who has worked hard to make enough power to do so or the fans that love wheels up action. In most cases there is no damage to a car or driver but then there is that occasional instance where physics loses its grip and sheer horsepower takes over and its gravity that does the damage.

Check out all the action from the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam on the IHRA website.

Such is the case at the recent Mardi Gras Nitro Jam race at State Capitol Raceway. Alan Jones who is a New Orleans native went for one of the wildest rides we have seen in some time. He was competing in the opening round of the Harland Sharp Elite 8 race when his blown big block dragster started to reach for the stars with the front end aiming vertically. Reminiscent of “Big Daddy” Don Garlits who suffered one of the scariest blow overs in history Jones’ dragster continued to climb higher and higher until it started to flip backwards. Coming back to the racing surface head first is probably not what Alan Jones had in mind when he hammered the throttle but it is ultimately what happened.

Jones was fortunate in walking away uninjured after making contact with the track, helmet first. It appears that the damage was quite extensive to his dragster as they are not built to absorb this type of impact. The front end came down first as it broke the steering and wheels which more than likely was absorbed up through the chassis causing more damage. So the next time you have the thoughts about really wanting to drive a dragster you may want to come back and read this again. Rare as it is, it does happen.