The two young sons of Top Fuel racer Doug Herbert were killed in an automobile accident Saturday morning in Cornelius, N.C. Jon, 17, and James, 12, died instantly when their Mazda3 collided with a second vehicle. Herbert, who was in Phoenix for preseason testing, quickly flew home to be with his family.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire NHRA staff are with the Herbert family at this difficult time.

The following statement was released by Doug and Sonnie Herbert: "Our kids have always been our best friends and the bond between the two of us. As you can imagine, the loss we are both feeling for Jon and James at the moment is unimaginable.

"As brothers, they were always together and were each other's best friend. Jon loved music and cars. He was a dreamer, happy, peaceful, and was most pleased when everyone got along. James loved to skateboard and ride dirt bikes, but he had the kindest heart and was compassionate to all.

"Our very special boys also loved their little sister, Jessie, who already misses her big brothers.

"Our family is deeply grateful for the wishes and prayers from our friends, the community and the boy's classmates at SouthLake Christian Academy. Our boys would not like everyone to be upset and cry right now, so please smile when you think of them. Thank you for keeping Jon, James, Jessie and our entire family in your prayers as we work through this time of sorrow."

Condolences can be sent to Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078, or via e-mail, condolences@dougherbert.com.

A public visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Raymer Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at SouthLake Christian Academy, 13901 Hager's Ferry Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. SouthLake Christian Academy is the school the boys attended. It will be closed Wednesday in honor of their memory.

In lieu of flowers, the Herberts ask that people make a donation to Speedway Children's Charities in Jon and James Herbert's names. For more information, click here.

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