Race organisers at Utah's famed Bonneville Salt Flats have confirmed that a veteran driver died in a 283mph (455km/h) crash while trying to break the land speed record.
Driver Chris Raschke lost control of his rocket-shaped vehicle about two miles into the run, according to a statement from the Southern California Timing Association, which runs Speed Week - an event that has been running since the 1940s.
Tributes are pouring in for Raschke, who took home the fastest time of the week at last year's event with a speed of 459mph, according to Hot Rod magazine.
He was treated for his injuries but died at the scene, organisers say. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Race director Keith Pedersen said that his death on Sunday was a blow to the entire racing community.
