TRENTON, N.J. — Engine failure at 300 mph triggered a crash that killed top Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta in June.

The New Jersey State Police said investigators determined that “catastrophic mechanical failure” caused a fuel-fired explosion in Kalitta’s Toyota Solara during a qualifying race at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

State police said the rear portion of the car’s body separated, deploying the damaged parachute system. The car crashed into a pole and a boom truck.

The 46-year-old driver died from multiple injuries during the final round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals.

Kalitta, a Palmetto, Fla., resident, started his career at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in 1982.

— From wire reports