Cars form a line near the race track at the Bonneville Salt Flats. (AP file photo)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A speed driver died while trying to break a record during the Bonneville Speed Week event in Utah on Sunday. Chris Raschke, 60, was driving at 283 miles per hour while trying to set a land speed record at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Unfortunately, he lost control of his vehicle two-and-a-half miles into his run, which led to his death, according to reports.
Medical staff quickly acted on the scene before Raschke succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
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“At approximately 3:03 p.m. Mountain Time today, driver Chris Raschke was attempting a speed record and lost control of his land speed vehicle at approximately the 2 1/2 mile,” the Southern California Timing Association said in a statement. “Chris was treated by medical professionals at the scene. Unfortunately, Chris passed away from his injuries.”
Raschke was part of the Speed Demon team out of Ventura, California, and drove the Speed Demon Streamliner — a long, narrow, aerodynamic vehicle made to run at high speeds. According to the team website, he began working in motorsports in the 1980s and has been with the Speed Demon team for 13 years.
“At this time, we ask everyone to please respect Chris’s family, friends, and the Speed Demon team. We are deeply devastated,” the team said in a statement.
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Aside from the Speed Demon team, the American Hot Rod Foundation also mourned Raschke’s death.
“To those who knew him on the salt, he was someone who found the perfect balance of friendly and competitive. Never a usual combination and one that speaks to the quality of his character,” the association stated. “We send our deepest sympathies to Chris’s family and friends.”
The Southern California Timing Association reported that 18 records were set in a total of 261 runs on Sunday. Seven of the records were achieved by cars and 11 were by motorcycles.
Speed Week race director Keith Pedersen said Raschke’s death was a huge blow to the community.
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“It’s much more of a camaraderie and community, and that builds a lot of friendships and trust,” Pedersen told KUTV. “He’s a big part of it, and he will be sorely missed.”
Speed Week will continue at the Bonneville Salt Flats through Friday, August 8.
