A tragic accident has claimed the life of 60-year-old Chris Raschke at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, during an attempt to break a land speed record.
According to a statement from the Southern California Timing Association, Raschke lost control of his land speed vehicle at approximately the 2.5-mile mark. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and administered life-saving efforts, but sadly, Raschke succumbed to his injuries.
Raschke was piloting the latest version of the iconic Speed Demon, a vehicle widely recognized as the fastest piston-powered car in the world. The car has reached speeds exceeding 470 mph in previous runs, a benchmark in high-speed engineering and racing achievement.
“This is a devastating loss for our community,” said Bonneville Nationals Inc. Chairman Heather Black and Vice Chair Bill Lattin in a joint statement. “The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.”
Chris Raschke was a respected and passionate figure in the land speed racing world, known for his commitment to pushing the limits of performance and precision. His passing marks a somber day for the Bonneville racing community and all who admired his drive and dedication.