Motorcycle racing legend Ralph Hudson died after he attempted to break a speed record. Hudson crashed his bike, going 252 mph.
The motorcycle racing world is in mourning after 69-year-old racing veteran Ralph Hudson died on Sunday. He was in the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, trying to break a speed record. It is said that a gust of wind caused him to lose control of his motorcycle and crash.
Initially, Hudson was in serious condition after being treated by a medical team at the scene, however was rushed to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City. After a while, he got healthier, and his family was hopeful for a miracle recovery.
In a statement later made by Hudson’s friends and family, they said he had succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening, surrounded by best friends and son.
“We sincerely thank everyone for their kind words, prayers, and support during this very difficult time,” the statement said. “Ralph would want everyone to stay strong and keep going fast.”
The Southern California Timing Association also posted an announcement to Facebook. Leslie Murray updates readers with “a breaking heart.”
Hudson’s Motorcycle Legacy
Ralph Hudson was known as a legend in the racing world. He held numerous records, as well as one for cruising at 300 mph on his bike.
Pat McDowell, the vice president of Southern California Timing Association, referred to Hudson as “one of the legends of our sport”. McDowell added that he was “a great competitor and innovator” and that she will miss him.
In 2012 at the Bonneville Speed Week, Hudson set the all-motor record for the 1000cc motorcycles. He later broke his own record in the APS-G1000 class with an average speed of 239.9 mph. His previous record was 225.5 mph.
In July of 2018, he was timed, reaching a speed of 297 mph in Salar de Uyuni, in Bolivia. However, he was only three mph away from his life-long goal of reaching a speed of 300 mph.
[H/T TMZ]