A Super Gas driver competing in the NHRA Sportsnational Open at Beech Bend Raceway Park was fatally injured today after his race car crashed during time trials.

William "Bill" Sanders Jr., 47, of Benton, Ky., was making a single run in his Dodge Viper during Super Gas qualifying for the special NHRA Division 3 sportsman event when his car went out of control near the finish line and crashed. Sanders was transported to Bowling Green Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 11:27 a.m. (CT) according to a hospital spokesperson.

NHRA deeply regrets that this tragic accident occurred and sends its thoughts and sentiments out to the Sanders family.