Incident Overview
Chris Raschke, a veteran land speed racer, age 60, died on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in a high-speed crash during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah Reddit+14People.com+14ヒャッカログ+14.
He was piloting the Speed Demon III streamliner for Speed Demon Racing when, at approximately 3:03 p.m. Mountain Time, the vehicle lost control at around the 2.5-mile mark of Course No. 1 while traveling nearly 280 mph. The vehicle went airborne, and despite immediate medical attention, Raschke could not be saved トレンドサラダ+9dragzine.com+9Autoweek+9.
⚠️ Community and Event Impact
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Racing was suspended at 4 p.m. local time following the crash, marking a somber pause in Speed Week’s schedule HOT ROD+1dragzine.com+1.
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The crash has prompted an investigation by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) to determine the cause of the accident sltrib.com+12dragzine.com+12Autoweek+12.
💬 Legacy of Chris Raschke
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Raschke was highly respected in the racing community, known for both his technical expertise and his gracious, sportsmanlike demeanor. He had competed with Speed Demon Racing for decades and was deeply regarded by peers and fans alike ヒャッカログ+11dragzine.com+11Autoweek+11.
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His work to push the boundaries of land speed racing—particularly on vehicles like Speed Demon II and III—made him a central figure in modern Bonneville record attempts BVM Sports+1The FOAT+1.
🕊️ Tribute Message
With profound sadness, we honor the passing of Chris Raschke, a beloved and respected member of the land speed racing community. A skilled and dedicated driver, Chris embodied both the spirit of adventure and the ethics of sportsmanship that defined Speed Week. He was more than a racer—he was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of integrity on the salt.
His final run on August 3, 2025, was a bold attempt at history. Although the crash claimed his life, his passion, commitment, and legacy endure. To all who knew and admired him, and to the Speed Demon team—my heart is with you in this moment of sorrow.
May his memory continue to inspire safe pioneering and deep camaraderie in the sport he loved.
📌 Why It Matters
Raschke’s death highlights the extraordinary risks of land speed racing—where even the most experienced professionals face danger pushing machines toward 300 mph and beyond. Speed Week has long attracted innovators and daredevils; Chris was a standout figure who balanced the thrill of speed with a deep respect for safety and community Gephardt Daily.
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