Wednesday, September 9, 2020

‘Legend’ racer who crashed going 252 mph on Salt Flats dies

SALT LAKE CITY — A 69-year-old veteran motorcycle rider who was injured after he crashed while trying to set a speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats has died, according to racing officials.
“It is with a breaking heart I must inform our racing community that Ralph Hudson succumbed last night to the injuries he suffered at Bonneville on Aug. 14,” the Southern California Timing Association posted on Facebook Monday. 


Ralph Hudson, who holds several speed records and once reached 300 mph on the Salt Flats, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed while going about 252 mph, according to a statement from the Southern California Timing Association on Aug. 14.
The association said he was treated by medical professionals at the scene and transported by ambulance to a helicopter and flown to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
Sunday night marked about three weeks after Hudson’s crash. 



Hudson was surrounded by loved ones when he died, according to the post on Southern California Timing Association’s post.
“Information regarding a celebration of life and a memorial scholarship in Ralph’s name will follow when available,” the post read.” We sincerely thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support during this very difficult time. Ralph would want everyone to stay strong and keep going fast.”
Reached Monday, Pat McDowell, vice president of the Southern California Timing Association, told the Deseret News he knew Hudson for over a decade as a legendary racer in their community.
“A good man,” McDowell said. “A great competitor and innovator. One of the legends of our sport. ... I’m going to miss him.” 








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