During the fourth Funny Car qualifying session on Sunday, Alex Laughlin, filling in for the injured Buddy Hull at Jim Dunn Racing, faced a frightening incident on the drag strip. While laughing in the right lane, Justin Schriefer lost control and skated into Laughlin’s lane at 270 miles per hour, inadvertently deploying his parachutes onto Laughlin’s car injectors. Laughlin had to react instantly, swerving left to avoid a catastrophic collision at high speed. This NHRA Funny Car qualifying incident showcased Laughlin’s quick reflexes and driving skill under extreme pressure.
Dramatic Reactions from Drivers Involved
Laughlin described the rush as overwhelming, equating his adrenaline to “9,000,” comparing it only to outrunning a bear. Reflecting on the moment, he said,
“That’s going to a take a minute to settle, for sure.”
He added his driving mindset was immediately survival-focused:
“Go into survival mode, which you’re basically already in as soon as you hit the gas in one of these things. I’m not saying I’m the best driver that ever was, but I’m definitely a Swiss Army knife: I may not be the best tool for the job, but I always can get it done.”
Justin Schriefer, visibly shaken, described the event as “really paralyzing.” From his perspective, Schriefer was hoping Laughlin could recover once the incident started. He apologized for the mishap, expressing relief at Laughlin’s skill and reaction. Schriefer shared,
“I never had that happen. I’ve had close ones, took out a cone but never went over in [the other] lane. It is scary.”
Consequences of the Incident and Impact on Qualifying
Both drivers had their qualifying runs disqualified due to the incident, ending Laughlin’s hopes of advancing into the field of 16 competitors. The disruption at this critical moment underlines the threat posed by split-second occurrences at high velocity in NHRA Funny Car events and the importance of driver skill and composure.
The Voice Behind the Story
Seattle–area resident Susan Wade, a veteran drag-racing writer with nearly three decades of experience, covered this event. An Indianapolis native, Wade has built a reputation for capturing the human side of motorsports. As the first non-NASCAR recipient of the Russ Catlin Award and a contributor to outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Newark Star-Ledger, Seattle Times, and Autoweek, her reporting highlights the blend of determination and talent displayed in moments like Laughlin’s qualifying session.
What This Means for the Future
This NHRA Funny Car qualifying incident at Jim Dunn Racing not only demonstrated the inherent dangers of drag racing at extreme speeds but also the critical nature of experienced drivers who can stay calm under pressure. For Laughlin, the episode tested his abilities and resilience, while for the sport, it serves as a reminder of the thin line between success and misfortune on the track. Moving forward, fans and teams will watch closely how such incidents influence racing strategies and driver training in future events.
