Kelly Clontz, The Motorcyclist
In her more than two decades of motorcycle racing, Kelly Clontz had never encountered a major incident—until last Friday.
The High-Speed Drama Unfolds
During the Q3 session, Kelly Clontz, astride her Suzuki, showcased her prowess with an impressive 6.774 elapsed time pass at an astounding 199.46 miles per hour.
However, the thrill took an unexpected turn as her motorcycle seemingly locked up, veering ominously towards the left retaining wall.
The Terrifying Turn Of Events
The abrupt change in direction proved too sudden, propelling Clontz off her bike.
In a twist of fate, the very machine that had been her source of power now acted as a protective barrier, preventing a direct collision with the menacing wall.
The In-N-Out Dragstrip shutdown area bore witness to this heart-stopping spectacle.
A Close Call: Clontz’s Post-Spill Condition
As the dust settled, Clontz, remarkably, emerged from the ordeal alert and conscious.
Medical Director Dr. Phillip Surface promptly assessed her condition onsite, laying the groundwork for her subsequent transfer to a local medical facility for a more comprehensive evaluation.
The Date: 11 Nov 2023
The incident occurred on the memorable date of November 11, 2023, marking it as a significant moment in Kelly Clontz’s racing career.
The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals provided the stage for this unexpected episode, underlining the unpredictability that is inherent in the high-stakes world of motorcycle drag racing.
A Community United
As news of the incident spread, the racing community rallied together, showcasing the camaraderie and support that defines this tight-knit group of athletes.
The NHRA Finals became more than a competition; it became a reminder of the shared risks and triumphs that bind these riders together.
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Kelly Clontz, Her Professional Life
A seasoned rider with an impeccable record, Clontz faced an unexpected challenge during a pass that resulted in a heart-stopping moment at the Norwalk racetrack.
A Perfect Record Shattered
Having never experienced a significant issue in over 20 years on her motorcycle, Clontz’s streak came to an abrupt end.
The incident occurred at the top end of the racetrack after a pass that clocked 7.281 seconds at 178.02 mph
The unexpected malfunction led to the brakes locking up on her Suzuki, causing the bike to tilt, and Clontz was thrown off just shy of the sand trap.
Boldly Riding Into The Future
In the face of challenges, Kelly Clontz’s determination and the collective spirit of the Pro Stock Motorcycle racing community stand as a beacon of inspiration.
The incident at Pomona serves as a reminder that these athletes face not only the thrill of victory but also the uncertainties that come with pushing the boundaries of speed and skill.
Pro Stock Motorcycle Racing
- In the realm of Pro Stock Motorcycle racing, where every second counts and every race is a high-stakes adventure, the incident involving Kelly Clontz at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals adds a new chapter to the sport’s rich history.
- As Clontz recovers and the racing world anticipates her return to the track, the resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity become an integral part of this captivating narrative.
- The In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, witness to this unforgettable moment, continues to be a stage where the true spirit of motorcycle drag racing unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and riders alike.
A Terrifying Ordeal
- Despite standing up under her own power and receiving a check-up from the NHRA safety team, the incident left Clontz shaken.
- Reflecting on the ordeal, she shared her perspective on the incident, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the mishap.
Kelly Clontz And Husband Getting Married
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- “Unfortunately, you go down the track and you try to get a pass on the board. You want to be on the sheet. It wasn’t a great run, and my first instinct was actually to get out of it, but I stayed in it because I didn’t feel threatened,” Clontz said.
- “Once I got to the finish line, I was slowing up and the brakes locked up. At that point, there was nothing I could do, and it just flung me off the bike.”
Facing Fear And Maintaining Trust
- Recalling every detail of the run and the subsequent incident, Clontz revealed her immediate reaction was to prepare for the worst.
- “My first instinct was to just grab my head. I grabbed my head and I rolled, and I was thinking, ‘my husband is going to be so mad at me,’” she chuckled.
- “I am just thankful to be okay. I am fine.
- The only thing that is hurt is my pride. This is my first incident ever. I have been racing motorcycles since 2002, and this was the first.”
The Road Ahead
- Given the intensity of the incident, one might wonder if Clontz has any reservations about getting back on the bike.
- In response, she expressed confidence in her abilities and indicated a likelihood of making better decisions in the future.
- “I trust myself, and I think the next time I will probably make a better decision and just go with my gut and try not to stay in it when I know that it is not a great run,” Clontz said.
A Glimpse Into The Grit Of Drag Racers
The resilience exhibited by Kelly Clontz serves as a glimpse into the indomitable spirit of drag racers.
Their passion for the sport, combined with their unwavering determination to conquer challenges, defines a community that faces risks head-on, fully aware of the stakes involved.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Thrills And Safety
As the Pro Stock Motorcycle racing community reflects on this incident, it prompts a necessary conversation about continually enhancing safety protocols.
Striking the right balance between delivering the adrenaline-pumping thrills fans crave and ensuring the well-being of the racers is paramount for the sustained growth and enjoyment of this electrifying sport.
- “I could have just shut it off. I didn’t have a good run, and then we could come back today and I should have.
- You have six seconds to think about it, and you have to make your best possible decision in that six seconds. It just wasn’t a good one this time.”
The Underestimated Dangers Of Pro Stock Motorcycle Racing
While the allure of speed and the roar of powerful engines captivate fans, the incident involving Kelly Clontz underscores the underestimated dangers that lurk beneath the surface of this exhilarating sport.
Drag racing, particularly in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, demands a delicate balance between thrill-seeking and safety consciousness.
The Crucial Role Of Safety Measures
In the aftermath of Clontz’s spill, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the crucial role played by safety measures in preventing potential catastrophes.
The design of the motorcycle itself, including its ability to act as a protective barrier, proved instrumental in averting a more severe outcome.
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Kelly Clontz: Accident, Health Update, Injury, Is She Discharged From Hospital?
In the heart-pounding world of Pro Stock Motorcycle racing, every twist and turn on the track becomes a part of a rider’s journey.
One such captivating moment unfolded during the third round of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, where the seasoned rider Kelly Clontz found herself in the midst of an unexpected on-track incident.
The Riveting Moment
As the roaring engines echoed through the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Kelly Clontz maneuvered her Pro Stock Motorcycle with precision during the qualifying round.
However, fate took an unforeseen turn as she crossed the finish line, resulting in an incident that would leave spectators in awe.
A Swift Response
In the aftermath of the incident, the NHRA.com staff reported that Kelly Clontz, despite being separated from her bike, displayed remarkable alertness and consciousness.
This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Pro Stock Motorcycle riders.
Medical Evaluation
Immediate action was taken to ensure Clontz’s well-being.
Onsite, Medical Director Dr. Phillip Surface conducted a thorough examination before deciding to transport her to a local medical facility for further evaluation.
The commitment to the safety and health of the riders is paramount in the world of NHRA racing.
Rapid Recovery: Clontz Returns To The Track
In a testament to both the resilience of the human spirit and the effectiveness of safety measures in place, Clontz was released from the medical facility.
NHRA officials confirmed that, despite the harrowing spill, she was back on track by Saturday afternoon, undeterred and ready to resume her racing journey.
The Takeaway: A Celebration Of Resilience
- Kelly Clontz’s high-speed spill at the NHRA In-N-Out Finals serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of drag racing.
- It is a celebration of resilience, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to fortify safety measures and champion the spirit of those who dare to push the boundaries in the pursuit of victory.
- As the dragstrip echoes with the thunderous roar of engines, it is a collective hope that each race unfolds with the perfect blend of excitement and safety, ensuring the longevity of this thrilling sport.
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