Watch the spectacular NHRA crash Larry Dixon walked away from [Video]

Three-time NHRA champion Larry Dixon managed to walk away from a spectacular airborne crash during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday.

Dixon, 48, was launched into the air when his car began to buckle and break apart at an estimated 280 miles per hour. The car rose and twisted into the air before it landed hard and slammed into the outside retaining wall.

Dixon stayed in the cockpit and spoke with safety crews before they helped him out of the vehicle. He walked under his own power to a nearby ambulance, waving to the crowd. The NHRA reported he was awake and alert when safety workers reached him.

Dixon claimed the NHRA top fuel titles in 2002, 2003 and 2010 has 62 career victories.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.