Drag Racing Parachute May Have Contributed to Fatal Crash at Ruapuna

Drag racing car's parachute may have contributed to fatal crash

A Christchurch drag racer died after losing control at almost 250km/h and crashing into a concrete wall at Ruapuna Raceway, but the car's parachute and harness may have contributed to his death.

Drag racing parachute may have contributed to fatal crash at Ruapuna

A Christchurch drag racer died after losing control at almost 250km/h and crashing into a concrete wall at Ruapuna Raceway, but the car's parachute...

Drag racer's fatal crash linked to parachute setup and harness flaws, Coroner finds - Daily Telegraph NZ

Craig Smith (Inset). Veteran drag racer Craig Smith died in a high-speed crash at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway in 2021, after his car veered off-track at nearly 250km/h. A coroner has ruled the crash was likely caused by a low-mounted braking parachute and strong crosswinds that lifted the car’s rear, causing a loss of control. Though Smith’s vehicle met safety standards and was well-maintained, issues with the routing and fitment of his five-…