Thursday, September 1, 2022

LOST MEDIA: The Death of Top Fuel's Elmer Trett

On September 1, 1996, 53-year-old Elmer Trett was competing in a Top Fuel Motorcycle drag race exhibition at the  Indianapolis Raceway Park. He was going 232 mph and he ended up hitting a sand trap causing him to fall off and kill him instantly. It was known that his death was filmed, but it's a recording best left lost.

Elmer was considered one of Top Fuel's motorcycle drag racing's biggest names. He was the first rider to ride over 200, 220, and 230 mph. On August 8, 1996, he achieved a run of 6.06 seconds at 234 mph and was seeking to break the 5-second bracket. He was an inspiration for many drag racers. 

A day prior to his death Top Fuel driver Blaine Johnson had also lost his life when his vehicle suffered an explosive engine failure and it broke his rear wheels and rear wing causing him to crash into a wall near the shutdown area.

SOURCES:

Lost Media Wiki

Dayton Daily News September 2, 1996

Drag Bike September 1, 2017

Cycle Drag September 2, 2021

Cycle Drag October 10, 2021

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