---
title: "NHRA Racer Randy Alexander Dies After Crashing at Over 160 MPH"
description: "The NHRA racer lost control of his vehicle and careened to the opposite lane, colliding with his opponent."
date: "2018-05-06"
modified: "2018-05-07"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20663/nhra-racer-randy-alexander-dies-after-crashing-at-over-160-mph"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
tags:
  - "Corvette"
  - "Crash"
  - "Drag Race"
  - "drag racing"
  - "NHRA"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# NHRA Racer Randy Alexander Dies After Crashing at Over 160 MPH

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/05/31944241_422056928255669_2812305655837229056_n.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The [National Hot Rod Association](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/5320/the-man-who-practically-owns-nhra-top-fuel-and-funny-car>) has confirmed that Randy Alexander of Harvest, Alabama passed away on Saturday evening following a crash at the NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Georgia.

Alexander was one of the premier drivers in the NHRA Top Sportsman racing series, which he contested at the wheel of his [race-prepped](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/9225/the-dodge-demon-is-actually-banned-by-the-nhra-because-of-safety>) Wilkerson Racing Engines 1963 Chevy Corvette. In an intricate and ultimately deadly turn of events, the crash that took Alexander's life occurred after he and his opponent, Bob Mandell, crossed the finish line—in other words, the race was already over when the collision took place.

It's not clear what caused Alexander to lose control of his Corvette, but the Alabama native darted to left and into the path of his opponent, who was [still traveling at over 200 miles per hour](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18110/mopar-and-dodge-srt-double-down-on-the-2018-nhra-season>); Alexander was traveling at around 160 miles per hour. Mandell's drag racer t-boned Alexander and flipped it into the air due to the sheer force of the impact.

![message-editor%2F1525627598753-31964079\_2030093663879945\_977415276737855488\_n.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1525627598753-31964079_2030093663879945_977415276737855488_n.png>)
**Quarter Mile Media**

Alexander's [Corvette](<https://www.thedrive.com/video/19262/2018-chevrolet-corvette-z06-proves-americas-supercar-is-practical-and-potent-in-equal-measure>) eventually landed on the guardrail about 150 feet down the dragway in the shutdown area. Mandell escaped unscathed. Alexander was pronounced dead a few hours later.

The NHRA released the following statement on its website:

"It is with heavy hearts that we report Randy Alexander of Harvest, Ala., passed away at a local hospital after sustaining injuries in an on-track incident at the NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga."

"NHRA and the entire racing community extend their deepest condolences and their prayers to the participant’s family and friends. We also ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)