In drag racing, it’s not uncommon for tragedy and unfortunate accidents to be a part of the conversation. After all, this is what we do, and we are aware of the risk we take when we strap into our missile and prepare for another trip down the strip. Drag racers are known to be methodical in preparation. They have list that they check between rounds and complete and have personal routines during the burnout and staging process. They push the limits, even when it might be a good idea to abort a run. We get comfortable, we challenge ourselves, and we sometimes make mistakes. This is the part of drag racing we don’t like.

Saturday, April 14th at the Masterton Motorplex Fundraiser Meeting in New Zealand, native Tauranga, New Zealand-er, Ian Metz was the unfortunate driver of the Topolino Altered that ended up on it’s lid. Powered by a blown, big block, Metzs’ machine overpowering the track was not a problem. Out of the gate, in the video shot by Peter Isaacs, you can see the altered step out, and head for the center stripe right at the hit. Metz over-corrects it and jumps back on the throttle. The Altered then takes almost a direct line to the wall, flipping upside down in the process. Fortunately for all involved, this was very much a low-speed incident. Metz shuts the Altered down, and calmly waits for assistance. The lane does appear a little slick, but we as racers must know the limitations of our ride, for the sake of fans, competitors and ourselves.

The short wheel base and sheer power of the engines in these Altereds always have a way of putting on a show. Metz was not injured in this accident, and we’re sure that he’ll be back out there soon.