A tragic incident occurred at the Bonneville Salt Flats during an attempt to set a land speed record, resulting in the death of racer Chris Raschke, aged 60. The accident happened on Sunday afternoon when Raschke lost control of his vehicle approximately 2.5 miles into the race. Despite the efforts of medical professionals at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries.
Race director Keith Pedersen noted that Raschke had been clocked at nearly 280 mph just before the crash. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the strong sense of community within the racing world. “It’s much more of a camaraderie and community, and that builds a lot of friendships and trust,” Pedersen remarked, highlighting how Raschke was an integral part of that community.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. Nonetheless, the racing calendar at the Bonneville Salt Flats remains active with two significant events each year. This August, Speed Week was set to resume on Monday, following Raschke’s tragic accident that occurred on the second day of the event.
Raschke’s untimely passing is a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with high-speed racing, yet it also underscores the solidarity and support that exists among racing participants. As events continue, the racing community may come together to honor his memory and carry forward the values he represented.