NHRA drivers mourn Herbert's loss

All drivers’ eyes in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series are on Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals, the season opener in Pomona on Feb. 7.
But their hearts are with NHRA Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert.
Herbert’s two sons died in a car crash Saturday in North Carolina. Herbert was at Firebird Raceway near Phoenix testing when he heard the news of his sons’ deaths. He left the drag strip to be with his family.
“Everybody’s numb to it,” said Jack Beckman, an NHRA Funny Car driver from North Hills. “People I’ve talked to, especially the ones that are parents, this is one of those deals where it’s not going to get better in two weeks, two months, two years.”
Herbert, who finished a career-best sixth in the NHRA Top Fuel standings last year, said in a statement that the loss he and his family is feeling is “unimaginable.”
Jon Herbert, 17, and his brother James, 12, were killed when the Mazda their were driving collided head on with another car. According to newspaper and Web site reports, the other car was a Hummer.
The boys died instantly, according to a release from the team spokeswoman.
Herbert said in a prepared statement that Jon loved music and cars. James loved to skateboard and ride dirt bikes.
“Our boys would not like everyone to be upset and cry right now, so please smile when you think of them,” Herbert said in the statement. “Thank you for keeping Jon, James, Jessie and our entire family in your prayers as we work through this time of sorrow.”
The Herberts have a daughter, Jessica.
In lieu of flowers, Herbert asked that donations be made to the Speedway Children’s Charities in Jon and James Herbert’s name.