John Haas, a multi-time and defending Top Fuel Hydroplane drag racer, was killed during the IHBA (International Hot Boat Association) Mid-America Summer Nationals on Saturday. His boat hit a small wave at nearly 220 mph and the ensuing crash took Haas’s life. 

Hass is a member of the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame, and a four time Top Fuel Hydroplane racing champion. According to a report from MLive.com, Haas had just crossed the finish line at 217 mph when a small wave caused the boat to come apart and launch the driver safety capsule 20-30 feet in the air. The capsules, which are incredibly strong and have saved dozens, possibly hundreds of racers, landed upside down and backward in the water. This is significant because it hit so hard and fast water forced itself in between canopy and capsule. The pressure of the water entering caused the capsule to explode from the inside out.

Haas had been racing in both the alky and nitro ranks since the late 1980s and was one of the most respected competitors on the circuit. Our thoughts go out to his family. 

Source — MLive.com — John Haas passes from injuries sustained in high speed crash