The motorsports industry is mourning the loss of brand ambassador and racer, Chris Raschke. Raschke, 60, passed away August 3 following a crash at Bonneville Speed Week in Tooele County, Utah, while piloting the Speed Demon streamliner. The Speed Demon team recently achieved a best run of 459.734 mph last year and was seeking a historic 500 mph record attempt in 2025. Officials from the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and local authorities are investigating the accident and its cause, according to reports. SCTA also posted the following press release:

At approximately 3:03 p.m. MT today, driver Chris Raschke, age 60, was attempting a speed record and lost control of his landspeed vehicle at approximately the 2.5-mile. Chris was treated by medical professionals at the scene. Unfortunately, Chris passed away from his injuries. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Known for his technical brilliance, Raschke was a staple in both landspeed racing and the engine-building community. He joined ARP in 1996 and rose to become the director of Sales and Marketing, helping shape the company's reputation as one of the most trusted names in fasteners. He had also recently taken over as Speed Demon's full-time driver after the passing of his close friend and industry icon George Poteet. The Speed Demon is a piston-powered landspeed vehicle powered by a twin-turbocharged 555-cubic-inch Chevy.

More than a racer or a brand ambassador, Raschke was a mentor, educator and unrelenting student of speed. Whether in the pits, at trade shows or on a seminar stage, he lit up the room with energy, generosity and deep technical know-how. He is survived by his wife, Connie Patterson, and children Kenny, Kristoph and Carly, and grandchildren.

PRI sends its condolences to the Raschke family.