ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (September 9, 2011) – Bert Jackson, 51, was fatally injured driving an Extreme Pro Stock 2007 Pontiac GTO during the third qualifying session of the American Drag Racing League's (ADRL) Dragstock VIII at Rockingham Dragway on Friday evening.
Jackson, of Glen Allen, Va., was pronounced dead shortly afterward by a medical examiner at nearby First Health Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham.
During his third qualifying session, Jackson hit the right wall, the left wall and then barrel-rolled. According to trackside observers, his car first hit the right guardwall, then careened across the track and hit the left guardwall before starting a series of barrel rolls.
Jackson was the driver of a car owned by Enoch Love of Richmond, Va.
The entire ADRL community is deeply saddened by Friday's incident and offers its most sincere condolences and prayers to Jackson's family, teammates and friends. Jackson was a passionate competitor, an incredibly kind-hearted human being and touched the lives of many during his drag racing career.
A memorial observance will be held Saturday morning at Rockingham Dragway.
