Top Sportsman racer Randy Alexander succumbed to injuries sustained in a two-car incident that occurred during eliminations today at the NHRA Southern Nationals at the Atlanta Dragway, NHRA officials have confirmed.

Alexander, from Harvest, Alabama, was racing opposite of Bob Mandell III in the opening round of Top Sportsman eliminations when he lost control of his Chevrolet Corvette at the completion of a 7.41-second pass and turned across the racetrack in front of Mandell’s 1957 Chevrolet. In an accident eerily reminiscent to that endured by Bruce Allen and Kenny Koretsky in Pro Stock at Ennis, Texas back in 2005, Mandell’s Chevrolet struck Alexander’s Corvette at some 200 mph, sending catapulting into the air and crashing down on the concrete retaining wall in the shutdown area.

Mandell III climbed from his battered racecar under his own power, while Alexander had to be extricated from the car and was transported via ambulance to a local medical facility for treatment, where he later passed.

Alexander was a regular in the NHRA’s Division 2 Top Sportsman ranks. A military veteran, Alexander is survived by his wife, Bonita, and two children.

Official Statement from the NHRA:

It is with heavy hearts that we report Randy Alexander of Harvest, Ala., passed away at a local hospital after sustaining injuries in an on-track incident at the NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga. NHRA and the entire racing community extend their deepest condolences and their prayers to the participant’s family and friends. We also ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.