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yesterday

Investigations Intensify After Chris Raschke’s Fatal Speed Demon III Crash

Speed Week racing has resumed at the Salt Flats under heightened safety oversight following the crash that killed Chris Raschke

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Chris Raschke became the first official employee of the Ventura Raceway in the early 80's.
Course markers at SpeedWeek in this undated stock archive photo taken at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.

Overview

  • Chris Raschke, 60, lost control of the newly unveiled Speed Demon III streamliner approximately 2.5 miles into a run on Course No. 1 and suffered fatal injuries after the vehicle became airborne at 283.875 mph.
  • The Southern California Timing Association and the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office have launched joint investigations to determine whether mechanical, aerodynamic or environmental factors led to the crash.
  • Organizers halted racing on August 3 as a mark of respect and resumed Speed Week the following day under heightened oversight and safety scrutiny.
  • Members of the land speed community have paid tribute to Raschke with online memorials and calls to honor his family’s request for privacy.
  • A veteran of four decades in motorsports, Raschke had piloted the Speed Demon series since 1996 and helped propel the team to piston-powered milestones, including a 470.733 mph record in 2020.