Chris Raschke was a veteran land speed racer who recently died in a tragic Bonneville Salt Flats crash on Sunday, August 3, 2025, find out more about him and his tragic death below
Chris tragically passed away while making an attempt to break a record at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Who is Chris Raschke, as speed racer dies in Bonneville Salt Flats crash: Bio, age, wife, children and net worth
We mourn the loss of veteran land speed racer Chris Raschke, who tragically passed during Speed Week at Bonneville. Your passion for racing will never be forgotten. 💔
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and teammates mourning this great loss. pic.twitter.com/0vJzojNVL6
— Performance Racing Industry (@prishow) August 4, 2025
#RIP #ChrisRaschke 💔#SpeedDemonIII #BonnevilleSaltFlats#BonnevilleLandSpeedRace#Bonneville2025#SCTA pic.twitter.com/0SgStCb0Q3
— Wendy P (@EBaySurfer) August 4, 2025
The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) confirmed the news about the tragic incident, which occurred during Speed Week.
Chris Raschke dies in Bonneville Salt Flats crash
Veteran land speed racer Chris Raschke tragically passed away while making an attempt to break a record. Raschke was behind the wheel of a land speed vehicle on August 3 during SCTA’s Speed Week event when he seemingly lost control of his vehicle at approximately the 2.5-mile mark. Following the crash, medical professionals quickly rushed on to the scene to treat him at the scene, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries. The SCTA has since issued a statement confirming his death and noted that the crash took place at around 3:03 p.m. Mountain Time.
Cause of death
According to the SCTA, Chris Raschke died from injuries that he sustained in the crash while attempting to break the land speed record. Raschke reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which led to a fatal incident on the salt flats. The SCTA, along with the BNI Chairman Heather Black and Vice Chair Bill Latin, has since announced an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
Incredibly sad news reports from Bonneville speedweek. Apparently, Speed Demon has crashed on the long course and driver Chris Raschke was pronounced at the scene. One of the coolest cars and the best drivers in Land Speed Racing are gone. Just horrible news. pic.twitter.com/sPJXvD29bt
— Gregg A. Smith (@GreggASmith3) August 4, 2025
Tributes and condolences
Following the news about his death, tributes and condolence messages have been pouring in from across the racing world. The Speed Demon team released a statement saying:
Chris was more than a teammate—he was family. His legacy on and off the salt will never be forgotten.”
Longtime friend and fellow racer Steve Watt said:
Chris was one of the kindest, most hardworking people in the garage. He lived for speed and for his team.”
The ARP, where Raschke worked for decades, also posted a message reading:
We’re devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague. Chris inspired everyone who had the privilege of working beside him.”
Chris Raschke biography
Chris Raschke was a renowned land speed racer and a key member of the Speed Demon team, who was a widely respected figure in motorsports. He lived in Ventura, California with his family, and his tragic death has sent shockwaves through the racing community. Chris Raschke was a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, with a career spanning over 40 years.
Age and height
Chris Raschke was 60 years old at the time of his death and stood approximately at a height of 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Career and achievements
Chris Raschke joined the ARP back in 1996, where he initially worked in sales and marketing. Over the years, he gained prominence for his deep technical knowledge and industry experience, making him a respected figure in the performance automotive world. Steve Watt later invited him to join the Speed Demon team, where Chris eventually took over driving duties from the late George Poteet. He played a major role in the development and success of Speed Demon vehicles.
Wife and children
Chris Raschke leaves behind his wife, Connie Patterson, and their three children: Kenneth “Kenny,” Kristoph, and Carly Raschke. He was also a proud grandfather.
Net worth
While there are no official figures available, Chris Raschke has an estimated net worth of between $500,000 and $1 million.
I remember being fascinated as a child by Sir Malcolm Campbell breaking and setting the land speed record in his “Blue Bird” going 146.16 Mph in 1924. Chris Raschke, this afternoon, in his piston powered Speed Demon 3 was trying to break 500 MPH/805 KPH.
RIP and Thanks Chris. pic.twitter.com/jYv2reuBJQ— Rob-Ur-Heart (@Cru_Doyle) August 4, 2025