Fatal Accident at Bonneville Salt Flats Takes the Life of a Land Speed Competitor
Tragedy Strikes at Bonneville Salt Flats: Chris Raschke, Beloved Racing Icon, Passes Away
In a shocking turn of events, the racing community is mourning the loss of Chris Raschke, a veteran driver known for his skill and camaraderie, following a fatal crash during a land speed record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on August 4, 2025.
Raschke, driving the Speed Demon III, was attempting to reach a speed of 283 mph (455 km/h) when he lost control about two miles into his run. Emergency responders treated him for his injuries, but he did not survive.
The Bonneville Salt Flats, a globally renowned location for speed racing, has been a backdrop for various films and is approximately 100 miles west of Salt Lake City. The first motorized race at the Bonneville Salt Flats took place in 1914.
Chris Raschke was a beloved figure in the racing community, with Race Director Keith Pedersen describing him as a "pillar of an industry" and a "skilled operator of one of the fastest wheel-driven cars in history." Brian Lohnes, a motorsport journalist, echoed these sentiments, calling Raschke a "pillar of the industry."
Steve Watt, the crew chief for Speed Demon, confirmed there were no known mechanical issues at the time of the crash. The vehicle was undergoing a routine test, or "shakedown," and was not operating at full speed.
Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in from fellow racers and friends following Raschke's passing. The racing community is described as having a familial nature, with competitors and teams expressing condolences and a shared sense of loss.
The current land speed record is 763 mph, established by Andy Green in 1997 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. As of August 12, 2025, there is no public update on a formal investigation into the crash. The Southern California Timing Association, organizers of the event, reported the incident but have not publicly released details on any investigation status or findings.
The Speed Demon team is deeply devastated by Raschke's death. The team and the racing community are left to remember Raschke's significant contributions to the sport and his enduring spirit.
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With the racing community in mourning, Chris Raschke's untimely demise at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a historical racing venue, has left a void that will be challenging to fill. Raschke, a legendary figure in the sport, was attempting to break a speed record in the Speed Demon III, a renowned racing vehicle, when the unfortunate accident occurred. Despite emergency treatment, his injuries proved fatal. His skills on the track and camaraderie off it made him a "pillar of an industry," as described by Race Director Keith Pedersen, and a "skilled operator of one of the fastest wheel-driven cars in history," according to motorsport journalist Brian Lohnes.
