The founder of one of the most successful organizations in the NHRA hosts the first in recognition of Kalitta Motorsports. Scott Kalitta, an NHRA driver who died on June 21, 2008 in a racing accident, was his cousin. Doug Kalitta returned to the track this weekend at the Bandimere Speedway in Colorado, where he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Since 1983, DK Turbines has been a leader in providing quality, cost-effective support for the corporate aviation fleet. Meanwhile, the NHRA has issued findings, determining "that a tragic series of events took place that fateful afternoon." Whatever your destination, flying with Kalitta will ensure you arrive in style, relaxed, and composed. We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week. "He has an iconic Top Fuel team. Kalitta Air's current fleet operates . He was the Top Fuel runner-up in 1965 and the winner in '67. His son followed the same path, winning Top Fuel series crowns in 1994 and 1995. They know damn well that were there to win and were there to outrun them. 3,948 talking about this. Scott Kalitta died at the scene. All four teams have won this year with Langdon, Crampton, and Kalitta taking home multiple victories. Kalitta Motorsports has over 100 wins and nearly just as many times had a driver be the No. The Engineer with a large number of Twitter followers, with whom he shares his life experiences. Partner of USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Kalitta Charters 135 Passenger Division has nearly 40 years of experience flying our customers in comfort and safety, you can count on Kalitta and the luxury and convenience of customizing your itinerary. According to our Database, He has no children. Specially built bulk floors in our aircraft help speed loading and provide a much quicker loading and unloading process compared to conventional aircraft floor systems. He was 46. He is fifth on the all-time top fuel wins list; the most recent of his 44 victories (Kalitta also has 88 career final round appearances) came in winning at the U.S Nationals in Indianapolis, September 2, 2019. ", Danger comes with the territory, adds Hunnewell. Because we specialize in on-demand charters, we can have one of our planes airborne and on its way to pick up your time-critical cargo in just two hours. Look, I give the OP props for just having the sack to throw this out there, it's interesting to say the least. AIA flew B747, L1011, DC8, B727, Twin Beech and LearJet aircraft in worldwide airfreight, air ambulance and passenger charter operations. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. So he just expects the best out of you, and I feel like he saw something in me and thats why he gave me the opportunity to drive for him, and the rest is kind of history at this point. Kalitta finished second in the top fuel points race in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2016. Till today, his talent is appreciated. Doug Kalitta leads the 2016 championship standings in NHRA's prestigious top-fuel dragster category. Kalitta's father is the now-deceased Doug Kalitta Sr., and he is the nephew of Connie Kalitta, a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Kalitta Motorsports has over 100 wins and nearly just as many times had a driver be the No. He is also the co-owner of the Legendary NHRA team with the famous Don Schumacher. The horrific June 21 crash that claimed the life of one of the sport's marquee names, from one of its heralded racing families, has already prompted new safeguards from the National Hot Rod Association. Being born on 24 February 1938, Connie Kalitta is 85 years old as of todays date 4th March 2023. The Nascar Nationwide driver Brad Keselowski, a native of Rochester Hills, Mich., about 20 miles away from. The dad that I saw in Scott is the dad I hope I am with my kids.". It's an amazing power that this one very short life has had.". He was the son of drag racing legend Connie Kalitta and cousin to current Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta. Genuinely, Governor Rick Snyder and Peter Pettalia accepted Connie and Doug Kalitta's invitation. In our society today, people like Scott Kalitta, the father, is what we need more of. All rights reserved. . His nephew, Doug Kalitta, is also a drag racer. And thats the spirit we should keep throughout our life. Mr. Kalitta was the proprietor of Doug's Welding Supply in Chesterfield Township for 45 years. Connie Kalitta, Air Cargo Pioneer. That investment in a single plane has become one of the most successful airline charters in the world. Kitchie recalls how Kalitta showed up one day before the 2007 season and offered to lend a hand with the team: "He said to me, 'I don't know anything about football, but I want to help.'?" Doug Kalitta (born August 20, 1964) is an American auto racing driver from Ypsilanti, Michigan and owner of airline Kalitta Charters. He had resided at his address in Chesterfield Township for the past 45 years. Connie is loyal to his employees and I feel like he expects that out of them as well, and majority of them are. Scott followed in his father's footsteps and also became a racer. Conrad has a son named Scott who died in a crash in 2008. He knows if he keeps his employees happy, (there will be) happier employees that want to work for him, that want to succeed, and want to give everything they possibly can to win.. Hes 81 and hes out there tuning the Top Fuel car that Richie drives. pieces to a puzzle to assemble enough to see a a pattern. So, how much is Doug Kalitta worth at the age of 57 years old? Conrad Kalitta, better known as Connie Katila, is the sole owner of a Michigan Limited Liability Company, Kalitta Air. From the landing gear to complete engines, Kalitta manufactures everything but the bones and shell of the plane, making it one of the more capable airline manufacturing and service operations on the planet. Since then, the NHRA announced a preliminary new safeguard last week, reducing the length of tracks from a quarter-mile to 1,000 feet a difference of 320 feet in the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. Doug entered the career as Engineer In his early life after completing his formal education.. Kalitta has a wife, Josie Kalitta, a son Mitchell Kalitta, and a daughter Avery Kalitta. We. He was also inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in America in the year 1992. Well, if youre ready, lets start. He is survived by his father; his wife, Kathy; and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8. This biographical article related to United States auto racing is a stub. Kalitta Turbines, a certified FAA Repair Station, has been in the business of maintaining, servicing and repairing TFE731, CJ610, and CF700 engines since 1986. [4] He owns the airline Kalitta Charters.[5]. He resigned from the company and its Board of Directors to pursue other interests, mainly to start another company Kalitta Leasing. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. I used to watch him when I was six years old and growing up, you know Connie Kalitta, and then when you get to work for him, its like, you just dont want to let this guy down. He is a member of famous with the age 57 years old group. Beside Connie and Doug Kalitta were a few top key people from Kalitta Air providing a warm and friendly greeting, Don Nolan, Rich Bray, Bob Fabyan, Zoltan Kocis, Heath Nicolls, Mark Nolff, Steve Brewer, Kirk Profit and Laurie Stockton welcoming . Tweets by Doug. We are so lucky with what we have and the benefits we have, and hes always been so adamant about say our health insurance benefits being affordable; hes amazing when it comes to that. "But it's tough. Each team wants to win at all costs, Todd admits, and they set a high standard for themselves. Kalitta formerly raced in USAC events. Connie will be the first to tell you theres no way Im going to get outrun, so hes going to go out there and try to set the pace or hes going to blow the tires off. Kalitta is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons Corey, 15, and Colin, 8; and his father, Connie. Yup, lots. Its the way Kalitta leads and treats those around him, and its why he gets the same in return. His height is 1.71 m tall, and weight is 71 kg. Learn more about Doug's flying career off the track. In. AIA supported the Desert Shield/Desert Storm operations with award-winning efforts. Scott Kalitta, an NHRA driver who died on June 21, 2008 in a racing accident, was his cousin. Kalitta had most of his racing success in Top Fuel, highlighted by his series titles in 1994 and 1995. Riola began his career as a mechanic in the NHRA in 1993 and joined Kalitta Motorsports in 1998. "With the Kalittas, It's All in the Family", "Doug Kalitta Infineon Wall of Fame inductee", "Doug Kalitta pilots his Top Fuel dragster past Steve Torrence in final round", "The N.H.R.A. And this isnt a place where you get a pat on the back every day for doing a good job, but you know he appreciates you because he takes care of us. Any future Kalittas on the starting line? We may never know. He is from . We will update Doug Kalitta's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. He won 10 NHRA National events from the '60s through the . Doug Kalitta started out working as a member of Connies crew in 1982 and quickly got a taste for drag racing. He's survived by his father, wife Kathy . Since his retirement, he launched Kalitta Air, a cargo airline based in Michigan. Conrad Connie Kalitta has built an impressive racing operation over more than half a century in the sport of drag racing, at times fielding a handful of professional nitro teams and garnering a long list of accomplishments, including several NHRA world championships. A lifelong fan of straight-line racing, Riola, along . Impressive health care benefits, insurance, and a 401k are another area Kalitta members point to as proof of how well Connie treats them. Doug Kalitta has a net worth of $5.00 million (Estimated) which he earned from his occupation as Engineer. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 20 August. Kalitta and his wife, Josie, have a son, Mitchell, and a daughter, Avery, who is about to start college. It even has dyno testing facilities for the 90,000 horsepower jet turbines that power a 747big-time stuff. He likes to keep working even at this age. Conrad wasn't known Racer Media & Marketing, Inc., 17030 Red Hill Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614, 949.417.6700 The only part they see is the rough and gruff side, which thats not really the Connie I know., Adds Todd, I feel like the average person that doesnt know Connie. He is fifth on the all-time top fuel wins list; the most recent of his 44 victories (Kalitta also has 88 career final round appearances) came in winning at the U.S Nationals in Indianapolis, September 2, 2019. Doug has been around the airline industry all of his life. First, Kalitta achieved a lot in life as a racer, and the best among them is the nickname given to him, The Bounty Hunter. Family members have remained out of the spotlight since the accident, and attempts to contact Kalitta's wife, cousin and standout drag racer Doug Kalitta, and father Conrad "Connie" Kalitta a pioneer of the sport from Michigan were unsuccessful. The move to Kalitta Motorsports and working with veteran driver Doug Kalitta is one that Husen is looking forward to. You can read todays latest tweets and post from Doug Kalittas official Twitter account below, where you can know what he is saying in his previous tweet. "It is exciting to be able to come over and work with Connie Kalitta and his team," said Johnson. Doug Kalitta's 2023 livery. Its planes are chartered for cargo transport around the world, and as with any business, money is only being made when the wheels are turning (or in this case, in the air). 2008 Kalitta Motorsports NHRA Hero Card DOUG + SCOTT KALITTA WILL GRUBNIC. Like every celebrity wants to keep their personal life private, Connie also did the same. He is currently single. Josie Kalitta is on Facebook. That's what makes it such an exciting sport. Kalitta's father is the now-deceased Doug Kalitta Sr., and he is the nephew of Connie Kalitta, a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Scott Douglas Kalitta, 46, of Snead Island, Fla. passed away June 21, 2008. Scott Kalitta, an NHRA driver who died on June 21, 2008 in a racing accident, was his cousin. Again, the story began with Dougs uncle, Connie Kalitta. The company is owned by Douglas Doug Kalitta and began service in December 2001 with eleven aircraft. And while even most casual of fans are aware of Kalittas primary venture air charters if youre anything like this journalist, youre not keenly aware of just how muchbigger Kalittas flying empire is than his drag racing efforts. Doug owns Kalitta Charters and has also won multiple championships in motor car racing. As an experienced pilot and Top Fuel racer Doug Kalitta is used to flying across the ground and above it! The spacious structure was to have accommodated a body shop, garage and base of operations. In 2008 Kalitta Air boasted 18 B-747-F freighters -- but that was in May 2008, before The 44 Days. Nobody has the benefits that we do.. I dont want to take us lightly, says Jenks. He owns the airline Kalitta Charters. Young Scott managed day to day operations at the Flying Service. Whats The Reason Enthusiasts Cant Get, Full Factory Tour: How Edelbrock Makes Its Cast Aluminum, High-Performance Racing Fasteners: How ARP Fasteners Are, Dobbins Clocks First 3-Second Mountain Motor Pro Stock, BirdDoc: The Six-Speed GT500 Record Holder And Its High Flying, Video: Installation Time-Lapse Of The Fresh New 3M Wrap On, Vortech Superchargers Unveils Tuner Kit For 2021 Ford F-150, NHRA Pro Mod To Feature New Playoff-Style Points Competition, Summer Richardson And Her Swoop Motorsports Enter NHRA TAD Ranks, Drag Pak Racer AJ Berge To Fly Iconic RAMCHARGERS Colors In 2023, Retro Injection: Modern Fuel Injector Tech Gives Us Room To Grow, How We Fixed The Unsightly Wheel Gap And Stance On Our 2010 Camaro, Lizzy Musi Preparing For Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings Season 6. Kalitta's father is the now-deceased Doug Kalitta Sr., and he is the nephew of Connie Kalitta, a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Take Chrissy Stone, who has been a part of the Kalitta establishment for 32 years and has worked with both the airline and the motorsports team. Kalitta is survived by wife Kathy, sons Cory (14) and Colin (9). Doug Kalitta is currently ranked sixth in the Top Fuel standings, 116 points behind series leader Steve Torrence, heading into this weekend's second playoff race at Gateway Motorsports Park near . He remembers a black Toyota pickup truck, the one Kalitta would pull up in at St. Stephen's so many afternoons to pick up his boys after school. Or take this: Kalitta has two crew houses in which he helps pay the rent on when folks relocate to work for him. Kalitta's father is the now-deceased Doug Kalitta Sr., and he is the nephew of Connie Kalitta, a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! Once part of the organization or family, as it comes to feel like every individual can learn and advance their position. Eric Medlen died in April 2007, . I am not the one to start senseless speculation. Top Fuel driver Doug Kalitta will trade in his familiar red, white, and black Mac Tools dragster for a new-look Autodesk Top Fueler during the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. He was the 1991 USAC rookie of the year in the midget series, and won the 1994 championship in the sprint car category. Its main base is Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti [1], with one satellite base located in Morristown, Tennessee. $4.99. Doug Kalittas income source is mostly from being a successful . We also have aircraft positioned at off base locations throughout the United States. The organization provides them with consistent, year-round therapeutic activities that create meaningful shared experiences and joy-filled memories. Popularly known as the Engineer of United States of America. We are authorized to carry HAZMAT and are one of a select group of airlines authorized to transport Category 1 explosives. Mac started racing in 2001 with Chris Karamesines. Connies civilian acquisition of Wurtsmith Air Force Base facilities was a milestone in military/civilian cooperation, saving hundreds of jobs in the Oscoda, Michigan area. 2023 www.recordonline.com. Connie has TVs, $500 gift cards, $200 gift cards, just all this stuff which he doesnt have to do, Ryan Jenks, car chief for Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton, tells RACER, But he wants to keep us happy. AIA was one of the worlds 25-largest airlines operating both scheduled and on-demand air charters, as well as third-party engine and airframe maintenance services. "He was so much bigger than life, and we all thought he was invincible. "As far as your comment about the cars needing to be slowed down - I disagree. Whacking out a guy who races down a NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Brad Keselowski -- a native of Rochester Hills, Mich., about 20 miles away from. Kalitta has a wife, Josie Kalitta, a son Mitchell Kalitta, and a daughter Avery Kalitta. Moreover, he is also famous for his racing career. Also find out how he got rich at the age of 57. Scroll Down and find everything about him. Kalitta famously founded Kalitta Air in the early 1960s, when he purchased a lone airplane using his race winnings from one of his early seasons behind the wheel. Personal touch and engage with his followers. We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request. The interesting thing (60 years in) he is still actively involved with the day to day and everything thats going on and building the thing, says nephew Doug Kalitta. Thusly, Kalitta Air employs more than 900 individuals who machine, design, and build virtually every component on a Boeing airplane, in house, to eliminate relying on outside parties for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades for its purposes. He also shared the same desire to win, becoming a two-time series world champion.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. AIA, the airline Connie originally built and sold, however, did not fare so well and was shut down. Salary in 2022. Survived by wife, Susan; children, Wendy Kalitta, Kelly Kalitta, Doug (Josie) Kalitta,. Connie Kalitta was born to his parents in Michigan on 24th February 1938. Kalitta was married to his former wife, Mariana McGee, until 1975, and there is not much information about her. His death represents the second Funny Car fatality in as many years. What an idiot. keep politics out of tragedy. 2023 Wiki Biography & Celebrity Profiles as wikipedia, Kaduvetti Guru Wiki, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Family, Instagram, Twitter, Social Profiles & More Facts, Pankaj Pachauri (TV Journalist) Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Keith Packard (Software Programmer) Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth. Theres some employees there in the front office and crew chiefs that have been there 20, 30 plus years, Todd says. If you do not know, We have prepared this article about details of Connie Kalittas short biography-wiki, career, professional life, personal life, wife, girlfriend, dating, divorce, kids, todays net worth, age, height, weight, and more facts. SCOTT KALITTA 1996 NHRA TOP FUEL DRAGSTER 8X10 PHOTO NATIONAL TRAIL RACEWAY . Losing a family member is always tough, but losing my son has been incredibly hard. In the year 1967, he won the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) Winter nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, which was his first major win. To me, he was the dad who came to watch his son practice, and later on volunteered to help coach.". So hes always willing to lend a hand with anybody or anything, and a lot of people dont understand that or dont get that. Over the years, Kalitta expanded that one airplane operation into a substantial airline conglomerate, American International Airways, Inc. (AIA). Kalitta's car plowed through the sand pit at the end of the track and smashed into a barrier. Get the best deals on Scott Kalitta NHRA Fan Apparel and Souvenirs when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. $4.00 shipping. Andrew has been involved in motorsports from a very young age. Notable: President of Kalitta Charters; Earned his Learjet license at age 21; Former USAC national Sprint Car champion (1994), Nitro Time Machine: 2019 Auto Club NHRA Finals, Doug Kalitta is the No. His estimated net worth is $230 Million as of March 2023. According to our Database, He has no children. Kalitta Air operates a reported 35-plus aircraft, including a fleet of some 30 gigantic Boeing 747s and few smaller 767 and 777 models. At least it's a well thought out post. He owns the airline Kalitta Charters. Timothy Kissel has been with Kalitta Air as Maintenance Control Manager since June 2015 and became the Director of Maintenance in September of 2019. His final title, the U.S. Nationals and the 1994 Gatornationals, are among a total of 10 NHRA national events. Kalitta and his wife, Josie, have two. He was killed at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, after an accident during qualifying. Doug Kalitta is an American auto racing driver from Ypsilanti, Michigan and owner of airline Kalitta Charters. Scott Kalitta, 46, lived in Bradenton, Fla., with his wife Kathy and their two boys, Corey (who turns 15 on Sunday) and Colin (8). Kalitta Accessories Shop operates a FAR Part 145 Repair Station, with Accessory Class 1, 2 and 3 ratings along with limited airframe service on Falcons and Learjets. For this group and its one-of-a-kind leader, its always going to be about what their passion, dedication, and loyalty will lead to next. He was the 1991 USAC rookie of the year in the midget series, and won the 1994 championship in the sprint car category. Their house is in a gated community on Snead Island, and a closed service was held two weeks ago in the Bradenton area. Kalitta Charters II is experienced in carrying a wide variety of freight. Scott Kalitta's NHRA Career Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. We have estimated All contents copyright 2023, Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. Connie will tell you that. Such results extend the streak Kalitta Motorsports has going, which is that the team has won at least four races in each of the last six seasons. Only Pomona remains on the 2019 schedule and will close out this 60th anniversary for Kalitta and company. Her work has also appeared in NASCAR.com, the NASCAR Illustrated magazine, and NBC Sports. as the Bounty Hunter for nothing. When St. Stephen's Episcopal School football coach Matt Kitchie thinks of Kalitta, who died at 46, he doesn't picture the driver's super-charged dragster. that to this day the general public has no knowledge of I have become very adapt at putting random events together. Hes such a regular guy you would never know this guy has built all he has, says Stone. Connie Kalitta raced from the 1950's through the 1990's. Scott Kalitta, an NHRA driver who died on June 21, 2008 in a racing accident, was his cousin. The company is owned and run by Doug Kalitta. A phenomenal role model. Although not currently driving, Connie is the team owner of two Nitro Funny Cars and two Top-Fuel Dragsters. Connie is also the uncle of famous car racer Doug Kalitta. We dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged. Even he has mentioned no fear of returning to his drivers seat again. Kalitta won 21 USAC events: 14 in midget races and 7 in sprint competitions. Read top and most recent tweets from his Twitter account here "So you look for the safest way to go about doing it. In the Muldowney biography film Heart Like a Wheel, Connie was played by Beau Bridges in the lead role. "Even though he had his fame in the racing world, this was his private world," principal Jan Pullen said. Three times, he has finished as the Top Fuel points runner-up and his streak of finishing in the Top 10 in the points standings extends over the past 10 years. Connie is currently 84 years old and has announced that he is not looking at retiring any time soon. Oberhofer started with the company when he was 22 years old in 1991 and has been on every car thats won a championship for the team. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 20 August. But Doug isnt just passionate about airspeed. After retiring in 1997, he rejoined the circuit in 1999, only to retire again after 10 races. "I get choked up every time I talk about Scott," she said, her voice breaking with emotion. The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. And those are the key pillars many in his organization agree are the strength of and what has made Kalitta Motorsports a 60-year success. Conrad "Connie" Kalitta (born February 24, 1938, in Michigan) is the CEO of Kalitta Air and a retired American drag racing driver, once known as "The Bounty Hunter".He grew up in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and was a 1957 graduate of Mount Clemens High School.He raced from the 1950s through the 1990s. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? The only way I could ever pay him back for the opportunity that he gave me was to win a championship, and to be able to do that in his son Scotts car that for me is the highest honor in drag racing.. Scott followed in his fathers footsteps and also became a racer. Connie was known as "The Bounty Hunter" in his driving days, competing from the 1950s into the 1990s. Posts by Kalitta PR. And that's just what he was. Unfortunately, it took a 300 mph crash on June 21, 2008 to make those crucial changes possible. Not just years, but decades longer. Hes given you everything hes given you every tool to be successful and the last thing I know I want to do is let him down because hes given us all the resources.. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in June of 1992 for his tremendous contribution to the sport, having won five world championships and setting the world speed record on more than one occasion. Kalitta's father is the now-deceased Doug Kalitta Sr., and he is the nephew of Connie Kalitta, a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. But I think that starts with him its more of a family environment, but at the same time, were totally serious about what we do and he expects a lot out of each team and gives us all the parts and pieces and go out there and perform at a high level. There was one year in Indy where we had a line of people at our trailer and were trying to run the car and hes got a line of people wanting his help. The former racer is an energetic personality and the owner of a business. The opinions of our members are not those of site ownership who maintains strict editorial agnosticism and simply provides a collaborative venue for free expression. News. Stone is currently a controller at the motorsports division and has seen both the stern business owner who has come into her office screaming, and the soft-hearted man who gave her dog accessories after his beloved pet Mischief passed away. "When something like this happens, you step back and think about it and go, 'Wow, I really can get hurt or killed in this sport,'?" We are a one-stop shop for all your GE and Honeywell engine maintenance requirements. With his Logghe of Ford Mustangs and Shirley Muldowney with her Buttera chassis of Ford Mustangs, Kalitta teamed up with each other to make the pair of Bounty Hunter and Bounty Huntress. Doug Kalitta Height, Weight & Measurements. 1 qualifier Friday in Top Fuel at the 2022 Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, The driver and the mastermind: Doug Kalitta and Alan Johnson at their very best, Doug Kalitta, Friday Top Fuel low qualifier at the 2022 NHRA Arizona Nationals, Kalitta teams prep for season opener with successful outing in Gainesville test session, Why Top Fuel will be even more competitive in 2023, Kalitta Motorsports and DHL Donate 750,000 Meals to Feeding America with Drive for Purpose Challenge, Nitro Time Machine: Doug Kalitta's Finals victory gave him a 2019 Pomona sweep. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? In addition, the NHRA plans to form a task force to examine safety and competition issues, with an eye toward reducing speeds somewhat. Well, says Connie Kalitta, Im going to buy some more airplanes, the team is going to win some more races, and maybe a championship or two.. Connie Kalitta is celebrating his 61st season in NHRA drag racing, first as a driver and then team owner and tuner. Kalitta won 21 USAC events: 14 in midget races and 7 in sprint competitions. @NHRA. Unfortunately, a lot of times he blows the tires off, but he goes up there with the mindset we are not getting outran..