Charitable Events and Unfortunate Timing

Bonneville Speed Week is a few days behind me, but I'm still struggling with the emotions of the trip.

- John McGann

By now, we all know about the tragedy that struck the Speed Demon team on the second day of competition. The crash and unfortunate passing of driver Chris Raschke left everyone reeling Sunday afternoon. Back on the salt flats Monday, the place had a definite pall over it, and it seemed to me that several of the competitors left the event after witnessing the crash.

Like so many things in life, though, tragedy was balanced out by the stunning victory of Danny Thompson and the Ferguson Streamliner team, which not only broke two records but also posted the top speed of the event. As a result, Thompson will have his name engraved on the HOT ROD Magazine Trophy, earning himself a place alongside his father, Mickey Thompson, who also won the top speed contest at Bonneville in 1959 and 1960. It was an honor for me to be there to witness the historical moment and see the emotion on Danny's face as he proudly pointed to his father's name engraved there 65 years ago.