Kansas drag racer dies from injuries following California crash

Brett Henry died Sunday following a race the day before in Bakersfield, California. He leaves behind family in Wichita and a racing community at the Kansas International Dragway in Maize.

Henry was known across the U.S as a passionate drag racer.

The manager of the Kansas International Dragway, Madyson Ayesh, says Henry would practice at the track often.

Ayesh says he was racing a fuel altered drag racer Saturday at the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion. The Bakersfield Californian reports Henry shut off his car before the finish line, but it somehow restarted and crashed into a barrier. It says Henry was conscious and talking after the crash, but died at the hospital the next day.

People who knew him say he will be missed in the racing community.

"He was so excited and spent so much time out here getting ready. I know this is where he wanted to be and in my heart, I keep telling myself that he made it to the race he wanted to go to," said Ayesh.

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Authorities say a drag racer from Kansas has died following a crash at a California track.

The Kern County coroner’s office says Brett Henry struck a wall during a race Saturday at Auto Club Famoso Raceway north of Bakersfield. KBAK-TV reports the 50-year-old died the next day at a hospital.

The coroner’s office hasn’t yet determined the cause of death.

The National Hot Rod Association released a statement extending condolences to Henry’s family.

The racing media outlet Dragzine reports Henry, of Wichita, was driving as part of the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion when the crash took place.

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Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com