Dirt
DOM LAGANA
and showing good signs of recovery .”
Lagana was slated for two more surgeries in the upcoming weeks , with the family again asking for support following the crash . The Hendricks County Sheriff ’ s Office stated that Lagana was driving a ’ 57 Chevrolet Wagon – a popular car that Crampton and friend Jonnie Lindberg campaigned during Hot Rod Drag Week in 2018 – that went off the road and hit a utility pole . The crash happened after 11 p . m . on Sunday , and sheriff deputies stated that speed appeared to be a factor in the crash .
Lagana has been a standout in the Top Fuel ranks , racing successfully on the match race scene , having last competed in an NHRA race in 2018 . He currently works as a crew chief on the Torrence Racing team , working closely with Billy Torrence .
Steve Torrence delivered a touching tribute to Lagana at the U . S . Nationals , going with a “ Nitro Ninja ” theme on his Top Fuel dragster , a marvelous ode to his longtime friend . There have been numerous video tributes and social media posts regarding Lagana as well , all praising someone who is universally held in incredible regard within the industry .
That hasn ’ t gone unnoticed by the family , who
continue to be touched by the remarkable show of support .
“ We ask that you continue to pray for him that these surgeries go well so his body & mind can finally begin to rest and heal ,” the Sept . 17 post said . “ Dom is in excellent hands , and we are forever indebted to the wonderful nurses , doctors & staff at Eskenazi Hospital . We will continue to provide updates on Dom ’ s recovery & we appreciate all who have reached out to us day after day . Prayers are powerful , and we are eternally
grateful for everyone who has kept Dom and our family in their thoughts .”
In an earlier post , the family expressed their heart-felt gratitude to those who have reached out and helped in any way . Close friend and Torrence Racing teammate Gray Pritchett started a GoFundMe for Lagana and Crampton , with more than 500 people donating nearly $ 200,000 .
“ It ’ s really hard to express in words the gratitude for all of the support shown for Dom ,” the post said . “ Dom is a perfect 10 when it comes to love , honor , being positive and most important his kindness to everyone . Dom is in the battle of his life right now and so many people have stepped up to help him . Each day there are improvements and each day there are new challenges . This will be the norm for awhile for Dom .”
Crampton has put together a successful Top Fuel career , winning 10 events and racing with Kalitta Motorsports last year . He won the U . S . Nationals during his rookie season six years ago , but was not actively competing in the nitro ranks this year .
Sanders , a successful engine builder in his shop in Indianapolis , also worked on the Torrence Racing team , and was a member of Drag Illustrated ’ s 30 Under 30 in 2018 . DI
PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , SHAWN CROSE
34 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 160