Drag Racing Tech - Former Nitro driver Bruce Sarver takes his own life

http://www.nhra.com/apcm/templates/news_template.asp?articleid=9300&zoneid=8

I've attached a pic of the Firebird funny car that Bruce was driving during the 2001 season. It was owned by Alan Johnson, and was vinyl wrapped in a patriotic theme shortly after the 9-11 attack. All their winnings from that weekend in Memphis went to the Red Cross. I've had this pic tacked up on the bulletin board in my art studio ever since it appeared in the National Dragster in the Fall of 2001.

Are there any more details? That is crazy. Condolences to the family.

Nate

Wow...

Gotta hate it when people choose a "Permanent solution for a temporary problem."

Condolences to his friends and family.

Wow...

Gotta hate it when people choose a "Permanent solution for a temporary problem."

Condolences to his friends and family.

He seemed to be a pretty likable guy. It's sad to hear that he called Gary Scelzi to congratulate him, and then later ends his own life.

What a shame. I feel badly for his 15 year old son, the pain/burden he'll feel...... :(

Shawn

(AP) -- (11/11/05) 17:17 PST Bakersfield, Calif.

Bruce Sarver, a former NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car driver, committed suicide on Thursday, the Kern County coroner said.

The 43-year-old Sarver died of a gunshot wound, coroner Jim Malouf said Friday.

Sarver, a two-time winner in the NHRA's Funny Car class, turned professional in 1996 and finished in the top 10 in the Funny Car standings twice during his five-year career. He was 10th in Top Fuel points in 1998. He raced in Top Fuel events from 1996-98, then took a year off from racing before resuming in the Funny Car class in 2000.

Sarver began his racing career at age 12, and won 176 major karting events between 1975-94. He raced at Mesa Marin from 1985-94 in the Pro Stock Division.

Sarver is survived a 15-year-old son, Cole.

Yeah I read this on the NHRA.com site yesterday. Damn shame, as he did a great job during the time he was driving, but then disappeared from the life it seemed. Hope his friends and family remember the better times he had.

Derek

sad wish he could have worked it out better

This was announced at Famoso Raceway, his hometown track, this weekend at the CITGO Fall Classic. Everyone was shocked! Truely sad, he had a promising career.