Susan Wade has lived in the Seattle area for 40 years, but motorsports is in the Indianapolis native’s DNA. She has emerged as one of the leading drag-racing writers with nearly 30 seasons at the racetrack, focusing on the human-interest angle.
Reigning NHRA Pro Modified champion and points leader Kris Thorne walked away Saturday evening from a scary-looking crash in the first round of eliminations at the NHRA’s Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Early in the quarter-mile run against opponent Sidnei Frigo, Thorne’s car started drifting toward the center line. Then it made an abrupt left turn, spun, and crashed hard into the left-side wall. It went airborne, flipped, and came down on its roof.
The car slid upside down until it finally came to a stop against the wall.Thorne exited his car on his own as the Safety Safari and emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene. He was examined onsite by NHRA Medical Director Dr. Phillip Surface.After a few minutes to collect himself, Thorne said, “We’re all good. Just got crossed up. I didn’t do a good job driving—should’ve lifted. You get caught up in things – championship stuff on the line. Just overdrove and didn’t do a good job.