What was meant to be a thrilling moment in racing history turned tragic when 60-year-old veteran speed racer Chris Raschke lost his life while attempting to break a land speed record at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats.
Raschke, a respected figure in the high-speed racing community and a native of Ventura, California, was behind the wheel of his powerful Speed Demon III on Sunday during the second day of Bonneville’s iconic Speed Week… an annual gathering of elite racers pushing the limits of performance on motorcycles and hot rods.
According to event officials, Raschke’s vehicle lost control around 3:03 p.m., with some reports indicating he was nearing 300 mph at the time of the crash. Emergency personnel responded immediately, but sadly, Raschke succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) confirmed the fatal incident and stated that an official investigation is underway to determine what went wrong.
Heartbroken teammates from the Speed Demon crew shared the news on social media, expressing their deep sorrow and asking the public to honor Raschke’s memory with privacy and respect for his loved ones.
Chris Raschke leaves behind his wife, Connie Patterson, and his children, Kenny, Kristoph, and Carly. His legacy will live on in the racing world where his passion and drive inspired many.
