Drag racer dies at Famoso Raceway on Saturday Our hearts go out to the families

From the kerngoldenempire.com 
06/28/2015 06:15 PM

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A drag racer is dead after a crash at Famoso Raceway Saturday night.

Roger Garten, 69, of Fallbrook died following a crash at the Saturday Night Nitro event.

Garten's War Horse Funny Car crossed over into the lane of the Nitro Nick Car, driven by Matt Bynum.

     

The two cars collided before bouncing off the wall and coming to a stop past the finish line.

     

Bynum was uninjured.

     

Officials have not yet released details of the injuries Garten sustained in the accident.

     

Garten's nostalgia Funny Car runs on Nitromethane and is capable of traveling a quarter mile in under six seconds, at speeds over 230 miles per hour.

     

The longtime racer started in the 70s, driving the War Horse Mustang.

     

After two decades away from the track, Garten strapped back into a car again in the mid 90s and he's been at it ever since.

Garten is survived by his wife Carlene and an extended family.