Courtney Force Wins NHRA Qualifying Despite Huge Engine Explosion

Share this: Blown engines and success usually are mutually exclusive in racing — just ask Fernando Alonso. But that script was flipped by Courtney Force on Friday. During her first qualifying attempt for the NHRA New England Nationals in New Hampshire, the 28-year-old force experienced a massive engine explosion in her Advanced Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car. It mattered not, though, as Force still managed to post the top qualifying speed at 331.53 mph. Despite the ugly incident, Force was able to walk away from wreck, and eventually was cleared by the NHRA medical staff, according to For The Win. Didn't expect to be driving a @TeamChevy convertible at 330mph after my fuel line burst. 🔥But we stayed #1 qualifier for @AdvanceAuto team! — Courtney