Kelly Bettes said she feels lucky to be alive after a scary moment a couple of days after the New Years Thunder Top Fuel event at Willowbank Raceway. Bettes, pilot for Lamattina Top Fuel Racing, was driving with partner Blaze Hansen in their Ford Territory when a car crossed straight in front of them to turn, but fortunately escaped major injury in the head on crash. “Blaze and were I driving along a two lane road at 100kph when a car in the oncoming lane decided to turn across our lane into his driveway,” Bettes explained. “I can not believe the stupidity and judgement of the other driver. We were so close that in hard braking we would have been lucky to slow to 85-90kph before we hit.  “It was a frightening moment knowing there’s nothing you can do. Both Blaze and I are bruised and sore, a couple of grazes but otherwise all okay. My car did its job to keep us alive and I cannot express how impressed I was with the airbag/safety system in the Territory. The ambulance officers said that they can’t believe we walked away.” With the next round of the 400 Thunder Top Fuel Championship coming up in less than 10 days, Bettes is hopeful the soreness will wear off and allow her to give it her all as she pursues a second title. “I will still be racing at Summer Thunder next weekend. I’m sure it will be a little more difficult then normal, but the people that know me, know I’ll still give it everything I have got!”

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