Wendover, Utah – A driver trying to establish a speed record during a racing event in the famous Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah died Sunday after losing control of his vehicle, said the organizers.
Pilot Chris Raschke was treated by health professionals on the scene, but died of his injuries, according to the Southern California Timing Association, which organizes the popular race on earth racing known as “Speed Week”.
Raschke lost control of the vehicle at about two and a half miles after a race. The association said that the death was the subject of an investigation.
For decades, people have used the flat and glass surface in Bonneville Salt Flats, 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City, to establish speed records, sometimes exceeding 400 MPH (644 km / h). Speed week has long been a draw for motorcycle and cars fans.
Raschke, 60, was the driver of a vehicle known as Speed Demon. He worked in car sports for more than four decades.
According to the site of the Speed Demon Racing team, Raschke worked at the Ventura Raceway in the early 1980s, ran 3 wheels and cars in the mini stock division, learned to make and maintain racing cars when working with an acclaimed engine manufacturer and later became a driver for the Speed Demon team.
The event of racing week started on Saturday and takes place on Friday.