Published in the High Desert Advocate Newspaper September 11th, 2020 Edition.
Motorcycle Racing Legend Ralph Hudson, 69, dies from injuries sustained in an accident on the Salt August 14, three weeks after trying to break speed record. (photo credit High Desert Advocate Archives and SCTA)
A 69-year-old legendary motorcycle rider who once reached a record speed of 300mph during a race died on Sunday three weeks after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing in Utah while he was clocked at 252mph.
Ralph Hudson was severely injured in a crash while racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, on August 14.
Hudson’s death was announced on Sunday, September 6th, 2020 by the Southern California Timing Association.
Immediately after the crash, Hudson was treated by medical responders at the scene and transported to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
‘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 August 14,’ SCTA announced on social media.
‘He was surrounded by his son David, myself and his best friend of 30 years, Linda.
‘Information regarding a celebration of life and a memorial scholarship in Ralph’s name will follow when available.
‘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.” said Leslie Murray on the Southern California Timing Association FaceBook page.
In 2017, Hudson broke the world land-speed record for fastest partially streamlined, sit-on motorcycle when he clocked in an average speed of 284mph across three runs over a full mile. Hudson even managed to reach 300mph during his run on the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia.
From 1971 to 1976, Hudson competed in motorcycle racing at Bonneville, but quit for three decades to support his family.
After his son graduated college in 2006, he returned to racing.
In 2017, Hudson broke the world land-speed record for fastest partially streamlined, sit-on motorcycle when he clocked in an average speed of 284mph across three runs over a full mile, Hudson even managed to reach 300mph during his run on the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia.
From 1971 to 1976, Hudson competed in motorcycle racing at Bonneville, but quit for three decades to support his family.
After his son graduated college in 2006, he returned to racing.
• Hudson was a 69-year-old legendary motorcycle rider who once reached a record speed of 300mph. On August 14, he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed in Utah while he was clocked at 252mph.
• He was racing motorcycle at 252mph when he crashed at Bonneville Salt Flats
• In 2017, Hudson broke world record in Bolivia by traveling average of 284mph
The SCTA Southern California Timing Association also announce the 2020 World Finals starting September 28 (7:00 am )- October 2, 2020(12:00 noon).
Sept 28: The Salt Opens at 7am & From 9am-5pm Inspection & Registration
Sept 29: The Salt Opens at 7am, Driver’s Meeting is at 8am @ Registation & Racing Begins at approx 9am until 6pm
Sept 30-Oct 1: The Salt Opens at 7am, Record Return Runs begin at 8am & Qualifying will resume right after until 6pm
Oct 2: The Salt Opens at 7am, Record Return Runs begin at 8am & Qualifying will resume right after. Final Record Return Runs time to be announced later.
