Automotive Racing Products, Inc (ARP) is very much a family operation. On Sunday, August 3, 2025, an integral part of that family was lost with the passing of Chris Raschke in an accident at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Losing him so unexpectedly has been devastating for all who knew him.
Chris joined the company in 1996, bringing with him solid experience working at the side of master engine builder Kenny Duttweiler. In the scope of his duties as Director of Sales and Marketing at ARP he interfaced with engine builders, engineers, designers and competitors the world over. He was very much hands on and had a remarkable ability to look at an assembly or a design from a practical point of view and offer suggestions to improve it.
He was very much trusted and respected for his depth of knowledge and experience in the industry. He was a familiar sight at performance industry trade shows and many racing events…always with a big smile on his face. Chris was always ready to jump in and help anyone in need of parts, instructions and /or assistance. He got to know so many new people through his job, but also remained friends with them due to his upbeat personality, his positive, “will find a way” attitude and love of the sport. All ARP employees and friends are in shock at the news of his passing and there will be a noticeable void at all the ARP manufacturing shops.
Chris became enamored with Land Speed Racing a few decades ago through his friendship with Steve Watt, who built the fabled “Speed Demon II” streamliner. The streamliner was owned and driven by the late George Poteet and he subsequently became part of the dedicated crew. He also aspired to drive, getting his racing license driving the popular White Goose Bar Modified Roadster.
He earned his popular “red hat” (given by the SCTA for setting a record in excess of 200 mph) driving the Dodge Ram pickup owned by his close friend, Wayne Jesel. Chris was seldom seen without his treasured headwear, which he proudly carried with him everywhere he went. In 2024, Chris, Wayne and a team of three friends won the SCTA points championship based on the year’s record-setting performances at the historic El Mirage dry lake.
When George Poteet opted to retire from driving the “Speed Demon” in 2023, he named Chris as his replacement. Chris would go on to set the B/BFS record at 459.734 mph and also earn the prestigious Hot Rod Magazine trophy for the fastest time of the meet —the 12th time the team had won it. The feat also earned Chris his famous “black hat” from the SCTA for setting a record in excess of 400 mph.
Chris certainly had a passion for racing, but his greatest passion was for his wife, family and close friends. He was a great grill master and loved to entertain at home with family and friends. He loved to explore new places, recently going on a trip to Alaska with his wife. He was a “one of a kind”, a special person, with a generous heart and kind spirit.
He was 61 years-old at the time of his passing and survived by his wife, Connie, and children, Kenneth, Kristoph, Carley, Brooke (Chris) and Kiley and grandkids, Colt, Piper and Renley. Although he is gone, his spirit continues in all our hearts through so many cherished memories.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Chris Raschke Legacy Scholarship, established by SEMA. This new scholarship will ensure that his legacy continues by providing opportunities for students who share his passion in performance, engineering and excellence.
You can donate in Chris’ memory using this link: https://sites.sema.org/scholarships/donate.php#!/SEMA-Scholarship-Chris-Raschke/p/774072557/category=0.
Checks made out to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund can be mailed to 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 (attn: Joe Escobar).
This story was originally published on August 17, 2025. 
