A driver attempting to set a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah died on Sunday after losing control of his vehicle at 283 mph (455 km/h). The victim, Chris Raschke, 60, was piloting the Speed Demon, a rocket-like streamliner, during the annual Speed Week event organised by the Southern California Timing Association.
According to organisers, Raschke lost control about two and a half miles into his run. Medical professionals treated him at the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries. The Tooele County Sheriff's Office and the racing association are investigating the incident, with Sergeant Dane Lerdahl stating, 'We know it was an accident of some sort.'
The Bonneville Salt Flats, a remnant of a prehistoric lakebed about 100 miles west of Salt Lake City, have been a venue for land speed racing since 1914. The flats offer about seven miles of racing surface and an aquifer beneath that helps cool tyres. Unlike other venues, there are no stands; spectators must stand two-tenths of a mile from the cars.
Dennis Sullivan, president of the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association, noted that motorsports are inherently dangerous, with stringent safety requirements such as roll bars and fire extinguishers. The last fatality at the flats was in 2016, when motorcyclist Sam Wheeler crashed at 200 mph.
Raschke had over four decades of motorsport experience, including work at Ventura Raceway and as a driver for the Speed Demon team. Keith Pedersen, race director, described him as a respected driver. Speed Week began on Saturday and continues until Friday.
