Tragic Loss at Bonneville Salt Flats

Veteran driver Chris Raschke, aged 60, tragically lost his life on Sunday during a high-speed record attempt at the renowned Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Raschke was driving at an incredible speed of 283 mph when he lost control of his vehicle, as confirmed by event organizers. The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), which oversees SpeedWeek at the Salt Flats, released a statement detailing the incident and expressing their sorrow over Raschke’s passing.

Details of the Incident

The unfortunate accident occurred at approximately 3:03 p.m. Mountain Time. Raschke was attempting to set a new speed record when his land speed vehicle veered off course around the 2 1/2 mile mark. Despite immediate medical attention at the scene, Raschke succumbed to his injuries. The SCTA has stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Ongoing Investigation

The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into Raschke’s death. Sgt. Dane Lerdahl, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, indicated that while it is clear an accident occurred, specifics are still being determined. The office has yet to provide further comments on the incident.

Remembering Chris Raschke

Chris Raschke was known for his involvement with Speed Demon Racing, where he had previously achieved a top speed of 391 mph in the streamliner vehicle. The team expressed their grief and requested privacy for Raschke’s family and friends during this difficult time. The American Hot Rod Foundation also paid tribute to Raschke, highlighting his unique blend of friendliness and competitiveness.

Historical Context of Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats have been a premier location for speed racing since 1914 due to their smooth surface. This tragic event marks the first racing-related death at the flats since 2016, when racer Sam Wheeler died in a similar high-speed accident.