Chris Raschke, a hard-driving 60-year-old perennial champion who was well-tuned into the national hot-rod circuit. He was sadly killed, attempting to break the land speed record, at Utah’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats. The Southern California Timing Association put on a thrilling show during this year’s Speed Week. Raschke was at the controls of the Speed Demon, a chic, ultra-aerodynamic car designed for speeds well over 400 mph, when he crashed approximately two and a half miles into his run.
At the time of the crash, Raschke was supposedly doing a mind-blowing 283 mph (455 km/h). What speed he was ultimately hoping to achieve during the record attempt is still up in the air. Medical professionals responded quickly to him at the scene. He died from his injuries soon after.
Behind-the-wheel, Raschke was much more than a competitor. He was a wise leader in the racing community. With more than 40 years experience in motorsports, he had raced just about every type of racing vehicle during his career. His professional background included working for a company that produces fasteners for race cars, further cementing his connection to the high-speed racing world.
The Speed Demon, a rocket-like vehicle created for mind-blowing velocity. Notably, it performs pretty spectacularly on the salt flats. Raschke’s desire to test the limits of speed quickly afforded him a unique place in the event.
The Southern California Timing Association and the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Raschke’s death.
Dennis Sullivan, a fellow racer, reflected on the inherent dangers of the sport, stating, “People get hurt. People get killed. That’s just the nature of the sport. It doesn’t happen a lot.”