Driver attempting to break record dies in crash on Bonneville Salt Flats
SpeedWeek started Saturday and is expected to continue through Friday.
(Rick Bowmer | Associated Press) Cars form a line near the race track at the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah, on Aug. 13, 2016. The crust keeps tires cool at high speeds and provides an ideal surface for racing — unless seasonal flooding fails to recede or leaves behind an unstable layer of salt.
A man died Sunday after crashing on the Bonneville Salt Flats during the annual “SpeedWeek” event.
Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), which organized the event, said 60-year-old Chris Raschke was attempting to set a new land speed record around 3 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. He was treated by medical professionals but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed the fatal crash and is investigating.
The SCTA is also conducting its own investigation into the accident.
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