Veteran land speed racer Chris Raschke, 60, was tragically killed Saturday afternoon during a record attempt at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 3:03 p.m. Mountain Time, during Speed Week competition organized by Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI).
According to an official statement from BNI, Raschke lost control of the Speed Demon 3 streamliner around the 2.5-mile mark while making a high-speed pass. On-site medical personnel responded immediately, but Raschke succumbed to his injuries shortly after the crash. No other individuals were involved or injured.
Raschke was behind the wheel of the latest version of the Speed Demon – a car long considered the fastest piston-powered vehicle in the world. The machine has topped 470 mph in previous attempts, and 2025 marked the debut of its third-generation chassis, developed in memory of longtime owner and land speed legend George Poteet, who passed away in 2024.
Raschke, a key member of the Speed Demon team for over a decade, took over driving duties full-time following Poteet’s passing. This year’s effort aimed to push the boundaries beyond 500 mph, a milestone that would’ve further cemented the team’s place in land speed racing history.
“This is a devastating loss for our community,” said BNI Chairman Heather Black and Vice Chair Bill Lattin in a joint statement. “The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.”
A seasoned racer known for his quiet dedication and deep respect for the sport, Raschke had long been a part of Bonneville’s most ambitious speed efforts. In 2024, he survived a harrowing 440-mph parachute failure in a separate run – a moment that highlighted both the risks and resilience that define land speed competition.
Today’s tragedy casts a somber cloud over Speed Week and the land speed racing world at large. Raschke wasn’t just a driver; he was a steward of a legacy, helping carry forward one of the most iconic efforts in motorsports history.
Our thoughts are with Raschke’s family, friends, and the entire Speed Demon team. More information will be released as the investigation continues.
Photos courtesy of Marc Gewertz
This story was originally published on August 3, 2025. 
