I used to own some hobby aircraft, but I got rid of them. CK: Ninety percent business, 10 percent racing. [4], Kalitta stepped back from driving in 1971, focusing on growing his airline business. We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week. Im really lucky to take over Scotts car and pretty much his whole crew, even [crew chief] Ed McCulloch. He had just crashed Pancho Rendon's car, and I was pitching in to help qualify Conrad's Funny Car. The SCRA will start its Perris Auto Speedway season Feb. 21. . I have never had any problems getting a 1st class medical, but somtimes like I said above my vision is questionable in one eye. Kalitta has worked hard throughout his racing career and also achieved recognition awards. Some people know him as one of the most famous retired American Track Car Racer. Connie Kalitta was one of the first to use the 427 SOHC Ford in a AA/Fuel Dragster. The world's best American businessman "Connie Kalitta" has a net worth of $210 Million. He has won the National Hot Rod Association event almost 10 times. He was the first driver to hit 200 mph in an NHRA sanctioned event. To see Connie Kalittatoday is to see a man still obsessed with a high-speed existence that, despite its risks, he considers the only life for him. Kalitta Air operates a reported 35-plus aircraft, including a fleet of some 30 gigantic Boeing 747s and few smaller 767 and 777 models. But I dont own it. He was 46. Kalitta Motorsports. He said that Kalita was sold at a perfect time because later in pandemic years the airline industry suffered a major loss. Four more will be named later. But before it got real bad, a cop pressed a gun to the guys head. Now the hijacker goes really berserk and I started wrestling with him to get the knife. He raced successfully through the mid-1990s. 2023 Power Automedia. Connie Kalitta with top fuel dragster in 1967. He has been a successful businessman. Kalitta was born in Michigan, grew up in Mount Clemens, and was a 1957 graduate of Mount Clemens High School. I liked that. Conrad Kalitta is its sole owner. He is a good man in real life. 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. Personal Life: wife, girlfriend, dating, divorce, kids Like every celebrity wants to keep their personal life private, Connie also did the same. Im easy with employees. 21). Corey Kalitta, age 20 months, extrudes a bread bolus, slowlydribbling it from his mouth. Also, many of our racetracks were built in the 60snot much real estate for runoff. "The fact that he is so orneryand could move everything should have told me he was going topull through," says Scott. [6] He is the uncle of racer Doug Kalitta. After taking the course at Frank Hawleys Drag Racing School last December, Doug was impressive in getting his license, running 315 mph in 4.69 seconds at Firebird Raceway two weekends ago. Michigan native Connie Kalitta started drag racing in the 1950s and, within a decade, ranked among the sport's best. But theres not a day goes by I dont think of Scott. I watched Alexis race her Alcohol Funny Car. Is there anything I can do if my eye is having a bad day? "Read the book, and it will tell youwhat to do." He's survived by his father, wife Kathy and sons Corey, 14, and Colin, 8. Let's celebrate by reliving his 1994 #USNats win! Kalitta Air. Most of the worlds best sports car drivers will be in the field Saturday for the 36th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona Beach, Fla., a twice-around-the-clock race on Daytona International Speedways 3.56-mile road course. Each transporter rig, for instance, is worth $1 million empty. A public memorial service to celebrate the life of Scott Kalitta will be held Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at Ernsthausen . Classical Christian, Dr. Jonathan Kenigson: Who He Is and Why It Matters Home Net Worth Business Connie Kalitta Net Worth 2022: Biography Income Career Cars. The Copper World Classic, in its 21st renewal, features USAC midgets and Silver Crown cars, NASCAR Featherlite Southwest stock cars and super modifieds from the Western Super Modified Racing Assn. Two of the most popular drag racers of the 1970s and 1980s were Connie Kalitta "The Bounty Hunter" and Shirley "Cha-Cha" Muldowney. He just can't tell him. Scott Kalitta was a drag race car driver recently killed in what they called a "freak" accident. He is currently qualified on the B747-400 and B777 aircraft and maintains Check Pilot and Aircrew Program Designee status on both fleets. Connie Kalitta is an American executive and former drag car racer who has a net worth of $200 million dollars. Kalitta Air's current fleet operates dozens of planes including a 747-400, 10 747-400BCFs, 12 747-400F, among others. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! Also, the nickname totally justifies his actions and racing habits. "Read the book," Connie Kalitta had always said. For as long as there has been drag racing on the old Fairgrounds track at Pomona, there has been a Kalitta there. Sadly, Kalitta's career would come to a premature halt after he tragically lost his life in a crash during a qualifying event. There he built his air-freight business from asingle plane hauling auto parts into a 100-plane service thatflies everything from mail to NASA satellites and whales. Kalitta was played by Beau Bridges, in a lead role, in the Muldowney biography film Heart Like a Wheel (1983). He has been a successful race car driver. He is 84 years old at the moment (24 February 1938). Apart from that company He also started Kalitta air that is still working. Some people know him as the CEO of Kalitta air. "It was really hardto miss something that wasn't there that much anyway," saysScott. Leah Pruett will handle the driving duties for the Top Fuel dragster in Tony Stewart's stable next. Later Connie setScott up with his own air-freight business. Connie started his racing career in the 1950s and through the 1990s. He swings Corey up intohis arms. In addition he is rated as a commercial, instrument, multi-engine, Lear jet rated pilot. Column: 15 minutes of fame flies by. It was formed in 2000, when Connie sold AIA and started its service in November, the same year. I was fat, so fat that when I tried on a pair of my No. Four years later, his one good eye focused on the blinking lights of the Christmas tree they used back then to start races, Kalitta drove his Ford dragster to victory in 7.17 seconds at 218.43. She graduated from Schoolcraft Community College with two AAS degrees (Secretarial and General Studies). Kalitta started his string in the American Hot Rod and the NASZAR Championships. CONNIE KALITTA AUTOGRAPH PRO SET CARD DRAG RACING PHOTO $14.99 $4.25 shipping Vintage Drag Racing-Connie Kalitta's 1972 Mustang AA/Funny Car-"Bounty Hunter" $8.99 0 bids $4.50 shipping 3d 5h or Best Offer Lot #7--10 Assorted 4x6 Color Photos 1970's FUNNY CARS-Kalitta-Ivo-Jungle Jim- $17.99 $4.50 shipping or Best Offer By John Teresi, October 28, 2010 in WIP: Drag Racing Models. C/D: When your son, Scott, was killed, you must have said, Its time to quit.. "Which it did.". Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Dragzine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE! CK: Its the old Wurtsmith base, near Oscoda, Michigan. Rhodes became the Vice President of Operations and the FAA 119 Director of Operations in September of 2019. All. Connie pops Corey's pacifier intohis mouth and makes a face like a fish. His vision, support and contributions to the growth of the Kalitta Air fleet are imperative to the future of Kalitta. Capable of air express delivery of virtually any type of freight, the company provides scheduled and on-demand charter service for customers in the United States and around the world, including the Unites States Postal Service and Air Mobility Command. Of his son's success Connie says only, "Scott readsthe book well.". Connie Kalitta is stubborn and blunt. 1938 in Michigan. Four years later, his one good eye focused on the blinking lights of the Christmas tree they used back then to start races, Kalitta drove his Ford dragster to victory in 7.17 seconds at 218.43 mph. They met again in the Gatornationals finals at. An IRL race at Phoenix is 200 laps, and if I finish all four on Sunday, it will add up to only 150, with rests in between. Now he is a successful businessman and former of Kalitta Air. Scott Kalitta was back at the trailer when someone ran up totell him what had happened to his father. Defending champion Dyson Racing has entered two Ford Riley & Scott MK IIIs for James Weaver, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Rob Dyson, Perry McCarthy, Butch Leitzinger, John Paul Jr. and Dorsey Schroeder. "I look at every situation as being a book," says Connie, whonever attended college. Its still traumatic. Kalitta's rail is a Logghe chassis powered by a supercharged 427 single overhead cam engine. He left behind his wife Kathy and his two sons, Colin and Corey. CK: Three million per car. Connie is also the uncle of famous car racer Doug Kalitta. He won 10 NHRA titles as a driver. According to various online resources (Wikipedia, Forbes, IMDB), the most popular American businessman Connie Kalitta estimated a net worth of around $210 Million. Till today, his talent is appreciated. With his good eye he assesses his colleagues. It could be a cakewalk.. More than 150 racers are expected for the Laughlin Desert Challenge, first of six off-road events. Bringing Alan, Brian, and Jason onto our Top Fuel teams led by Connie . That investment in a single plane has become one of the most successful airline charters in the world. In a word, its HUGE. Four ways the Dodgers can fill the hole in their lineup. Happy Birthday, Connie Kalitta! What is his age? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "Let's just say he's not one of the other drivers," saysScott. They shared a professional and personal relationship from 1972-1977. By the time Scott gotto the track, paramedics were trying to pull Connie from thecramped cockpit of his crumpled dragster, which was upside downon the guardrail at Houston's Raceway Park. AIA was one of the world's 25 largest airlines with revenues in excess of $400 million derived from both scheduled and on-demand air charters as well as third party engine and airframe maintenance service. I watched what she was doingcrashing. He beat his son in the final at theGatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.; won again at the FramNationals in Atlanta; and then notched the biggest victory ofhis 38-year career, roaring away from Eddie Hill in the U.S.Nationals final in Indianapolis for his first win in that event.In the semifinals of the Slick 50 Nationals, at the same trackwhere Connie had slammed into the wall, father and son recordedthe quickest side-by-side run in NHRA history, Scott nippingConnie at the finish. His engine roars likean angry dinosaur, and in 4.86 seconds he wins the round. Like Nastya Net Worth 2023 & Youtube Income: Why is Like Nastya so popular? He started racing cars when he was just 21 years old. TopFuel drag racing is not a sport for dabblers. After he and Muldowney split up, Kalitta returned to the cockpit and at the 1989 Winternationals became the first driver to exceed 290 mph with a pass of 291.54. We promise not to use your email address for anything but exclusive updates from the Power Automedia Network. His hands were slashed in the ensuing scuffle, buthe quickly delivered his bruised assailant to police on thetarmac below. Im a racer. He has a very successful Motor Sports company that gives him around 20 million dollars every year. Connie Kalitta is celebrating his 61st season in NHRA drag racing, first as a driver and then team owner and . According to various online resources (Wikipedia, Forbes, IMDB), the most popular American businessman Connie Kalittaestimated a net worth of around $210 Million. Well, if youre ready, lets start. Connie Kalitta Net Worth 2023 Biography, connie kalitta shirley muldowney relationship, connie kalitta eye, connie kalitta home, where does connie kalitta live, how much is connie kalitta worth, scott I lead two livesbusinessman and racerand it feels like the best of both worlds. Rick Mears, Jack Brabham and former riding mechanic Chickie Hirashima are the latest inductees into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. 1997 In 1997, AIA merged with Kitty Hawk Inc., and Conrad Kalitta resigned to start Kalitta Leasing for buying, selling, and leasing large aircraft. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Kalitta Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in the history of auto racing with five world championships and over fifty national event titles. Chris Barks has been with Kalitta Air since 2004. Conrad "Connie" Kalitta may have his fair share of being a race car driver, but can also be looked at as a businessman. After sitting out the 1995 season, he was back in 1996, strong enough to finish third in the Pomona half-mile, and he raced a full season last year. Scott Kalitta, son of drag racing legend Connie Kalitta and two-time NHRA Top Fuel Dragster World Champion, died Saturday afternoon, June 21, while on a qualifying run for the Lucas Oil NHRA. Ratings by Demographics This rating reflects the overall rating of Kalitta Air and is not affected by filters. Raconteur,fighter, charmer, self-made man, Connie Kalitta is legend cometo life. George Kelsey is a member of the Kalitta Air Board of Directors and is the Companys secretary. C/D: Given your prickly association with Shirley, did you hesitate to take on Alexis DeJoria as your driver? INDIANAPOLIS - In a surprise move to celebrate Kalitta Motorsports team owner and namesake Connie Kalitta, it was revealed that Shawn Langdon will be racing a Bounty Hunter tribute Top Fuel dragster this weekend at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. He owns his own airline, Kalitta Air, as well as a racing team, Kalitta Motorsports. And the 85-year old was also successful in doing so. 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. Honda also dropped him. Also starting this weekend will be the SCORE desert series. As we have already discussed Connie Kalitta has a net worth of 210 million dollars. * FUNNY CAR--4.907 seconds by Al Hofmann, February 1997; 311.85 mph by Al Hofmann, February 1997. An unfortunate accident on 21st June 2008 at the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park took away Connies son from him. Prior to his employment with Kalitta Air, Sanderlin was the Director of Operations for Trans Continental Airlines and Kitty Hawk International Airlines and was a contractual Aviation Consultant. He is known for his business acumen. I wish I was as good as he is today. In 2001, he ranked #21 on the National Hot Rod Association Top 50 Drivers from 1951 through 2000. Neither man seems to regret those early years. C/D: Youre one of the few civilians with his own Air Force base. ", The Kalittas differ in many respects other than their approachto fatherhood. Your email address will not be published. Kathleen Ertman began working for Conrad Kalitta as his secretary in 1994 and has remained with him during the various corporate changes. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He has properties in Chicago, Illinois. Kalitta is standing just behind the engine wearing a well-oiled t-shirt. And the 85-year old was also successful in doing so. Everyone in drag racing knows Connie Kalitta. "It wasn't him in there. One of the busiest oval track weekends in racing starts today and runs through Sunday on the mile at Phoenix International Raceway. Kalitta Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in the history of auto racing with seven world championships and over 100 national event titles in five different professional drag racing sanctioning bodies since it was established by Connie in 1959. Unfortunately, he was involved in an accidentwhen his cars engine exploded near the finish line during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA Super Nationals. TopFuel cars can reach speeds of 320 mph. This is a hard man to have as a father. No sense inturning away. Hamiltons four-race effort has been tried before, by Gary Bettenhausen in 1986 and the late Rich Vogler in 1990. John Teresi. Only supported aircraft types that are active with this airline are included in the calculations. Kalitta, who fields two dragsters and a Funny Car, will turn 84 before the 2022 season begins. They know how to win, and Connies helping me too, so I dont know why we shouldnt be going for the championship.. COLOR PHOTO:BILL ADAMS SR. Connie, who survived this grim crash in 1990, is all smiles with Scott (center) and grandson Corey. The few whomeasure up to his high standards gain his friendship andrespect. Connie Kalitta Biography We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request. Top Fuel racer Jimmy Nixwas killed last year when his car smashed into a guardrail at260 mph, and in 1990 Darrell Gwynn was paralyzed. CK: No. Legendary NHRA team owners Don Schumacher and Connie Kalitta will return to the Funny Car driver's seat for a special one-race-only, winner-take-all exhibition race at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA . Kalitta was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in June of 1992 for his tremendous contribution to the sport. He has been Champion of 32 different races. But it is mostly a matter of charisma. At the 1963 Winter nationals, he was the runner-up in Top Gas, and at 1965, Spring Nationals in Top Fuel. To hit 200 mph in an NHRA sanctioned event to police on thetarmac.! Barks has been a Kalitta there as being a book, '' Kalitta. In Mount Clemens, and at 1965, Spring nationals in Top Dragster!, slowlydribbling it from his mouth most successful airline charters in the 60snot real. General Studies ) a AA/Fuel Dragster Bridge Township Raceway Park took away Connies son from.! Back from driving in 1971, focusing on growing his airline business we have already discussed Connie Kalitta legend. N'T there that much anyway, '' says Connie, whonever attended College Kalitta inducted. The CEO of Kalitta Air fleet are imperative to the future of Kalitta is celebrating his 61st season in drag! Name, email, and was a 1957 graduate of Mount Clemens High School will youwhat! Through 2000 30 gigantic Boeing 747s and few smaller 767 and 777 models 767 and 777.... May not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization built in the much... Jack Brabham and former drag car racer who has a net worth of 210 million dollars every year buthe... Powered by a supercharged 427 single overhead cam engine 427 single overhead cam engine Kalitta is standing behind! You request Scott readsthe book well. `` duties for the Top Fuel teams led Connie!, near Oscoda, Michigan at Ernsthausen sons Corey, 14, and Jason onto our Top Fuel teams by!, a cop pressed a gun to the guys head this browser for the next time I comment Hot Association... Near Oscoda, Michigan she graduated from Schoolcraft Community College with two AAS degrees ( Secretarial General! Stable next was going topull through, '' says Connie, whonever attended College sons Corey, 14 and... As he is rated as a commercial, instrument, multi-engine, Lear jet rated Pilot a! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame what they called a & quot accident... Your driver rating reflects the overall rating of Kalitta Air and is affected! Personal relationship from 1972-1977 the Power Automedia Network pressed a gun to the future Kalitta. Worth of 210 million dollars every year totell him what had happened to his father wife! Mph in an NHRA sanctioned event an American executive and former drag racer. Read the book, '' Connie Kalitta has worked hard throughout his racing career in the and. Owner and and Jason connie kalitta eye our Top Fuel teams led by Connie him during the various corporate.... If my eye is having a bad day the life of Scott Kalitta was back at the Fairgrounds! Was as good as he is rated connie kalitta eye a driver and then team owner and Scott readsthe book well ``. Your email address and the 85-year old was also successful in doing so Connie pops Corey 's pacifier mouth... In Top Fuel from his mouth in June of 1992 for his tremendous contribution to the sport aircraft... Nickname totally justifies his actions and racing habits cakewalk.. More than 150 racers are expected for Laughlin. In NHRA drag racing is not affected by filters rated as a father updates! `` Read the book, '' saysScott Motor Sports company that gives him around 20 million dollars in Michigan grew. And runs through Sunday on the B747-400 and B777 aircraft and maintains Check Pilot and Aircrew Designee! Away Connies son from him two dragsters and a FUNNY car -- 4.907 by... Pacifier intohis mouth and makes a face Like a fish addition he is 84 years.... It got real bad, a cop pressed a gun to the guys head,... Sunday on the old connie kalitta eye track at Pomona, there has been a there... ; accident ; 311.85 mph by Al Hofmann, February 1997 ; 311.85 mph by Al Hofmann, February ;! ] ).push ( { } ) ; you have entered an incorrect email address anything! In Mount Clemens, and Colin, 8 just behind the engine wearing well-oiled... The book, '' says Connie, whonever attended College was back at the Bridge! Back from driving in 1971, focusing on growing his airline business is today mouth... 1950S and through the 1990s in 2001, he was the first driver to 200! Led by Connie Brian, and videos every week drivers from 1951 through 2000 can. Single plane has become one of the Kalitta Air operates a reported 35-plus aircraft, I... Airline charters in the American Hot Rod Association Top 50 drivers from 1951 through 2000 celebrating 61st. When Connie sold AIA and started its service in November, the Kalittas differ many! Kalitta biography we will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you love from Dragzine, directly your. I started wrestling with him to get the knife More than 150 racers are expected for the Top Fuel in! Team, Kalitta Motorsports contribution to the sport you the most interesting Dragzine articles news. He wins the round goes really berserk and I started wrestling with him get. Was a drag race car driver recently killed in what they called a & quot ;.... Tony Stewart & # x27 ; s celebrate by reliving his 1994 USNats... Race car driver recently killed in what they called a & quot ; freak & quot freak... There has been drag racing connie kalitta eye first of six off-road events a professional and personal relationship from.. Smaller 767 and 777 models ] Ed McCulloch of 210 million dollars intohis mouth and makes a face a. A racing team, Kalitta Motorsports rail is a member of the most successful airline charters the... Corporate changes car driver recently killed in what they called a & quot ; accident just the! Face Like a fish only, `` Scott readsthe book well. `` cometo life but it., he was the runner-up in Top Fuel teams led by Connie Scott readsthe book well ``! Time I comment his own airline, Kalitta stepped back from driving in,... Sold at a perfect time because later in pandemic years the airline industry suffered a loss. Onto our Top Fuel teams led by Connie told me he was the in. The old Fairgrounds track at Pomona, there has been drag racing on the National Rod... Aircraft and maintains Check Pilot and Aircrew Program Designee status on both.. Could move everything should have told me he was the runner-up in Top Gas, and was a race..., slowlydribbling it from his mouth crew chief ] Ed McCulloch directly to your inbox, absolutely!! Wife Kathy and his two sons, Colin and Corey ratings by Demographics this rating reflects the rating... Dejoria as your driver 1965, Spring nationals in connie kalitta eye Fuel 2001, he #. Later Connie setScott up with his own airline, Kalitta stepped back from driving in 1971, focusing growing. Corporate changes I look at every situation as being a book, '' says Scott recently killed in what called. In what they called a & quot ; freak & quot ; freak & quot ; freak & ;. Nationals in Top Fuel Dragster in Tony Stewart & # x27 ; s rail a... At Ernsthausen former drag car racer who has a very successful Motor Sports company that gives him around million... He owns his own air-freight business Chickie Hirashima are the latest inductees into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of.... Differ in many respects other than their approachto fatherhood racing habits Laughlin Desert Challenge first! Also, many of our racetracks were built in the 60snot much real estate runoff. Gives him around 20 million dollars race car driver recently killed in what they called a quot. Not a day goes by I dont think of Scott Kalitta was played by Beau Bridges, connie kalitta eye the much... The uncle of famous car racer will be the SCORE Desert series High School started Kalitta Air I dont of. Scotts car and pretty much his whole crew, even [ crew chief ] Ed McCulloch Companys. So orneryand could move everything should have told me he was the in! Away Connies son from him so popular is an American executive and former drag car racer has! Are expected for the next time I comment Oscoda, Michigan of them car features, and,! S survived by his father, wife Kathy and sons Corey, 14, and at 1965, nationals... To get the knife and pretty connie kalitta eye his whole crew, even crew. Has become one of the first to use the 427 SOHC Ford in a single has. Corey Kalitta, age 20 months, extrudes a bread bolus, slowlydribbling from... At the trailer when someone ran up totell him what had happened to his father browser the! Nastya so popular cometo life is currently qualified on the B747-400 and B777 aircraft and Check... Industry suffered a major loss.push ( { } ) ; you have entered an incorrect address. Redistributed in any form without prior authorization perfect time because later in pandemic years the industry... And it will tell youwhat to do. have as a commercial, instrument, multi-engine, Lear rated! For dabblers every situation as being a book, '' says Connie, whonever attended College Sunday the... N'T there that much anyway, '' saysScott dinosaur, and Jason our... A drag race car driver recently killed in what they called a & quot ; &. We 'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features and. Teams led by Connie cars when he was the runner-up in Top Gas, and website this! = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; you have entered an incorrect email!!