Thread: Rider Down - RIP - Dave Owen (Land Speed Racer)
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 12:10 PM
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Cecil
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1250 Ohio Pike #228 | Amelia | OH | 45102
(P) 513.943.9700 | (F) 866.910.8225
A Friend Remembered
- Don Smith
Dave Owen was involved in a fatal accident today while competing at the ECTA-Maxton September event. The accident occurred just after 11:00 am in the shutdown area after finishing a 215.9mph pass. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and no details are available at this time. Dave was a veteran land speed racer and had been competing at Maxton since April of 2004. In the ensuing four years he set numerous land speed records and at one point held the title of building, tuning and owning the world’s fastest naturally aspirated, open-wheel motorcycle at over 222 mph. Dave was also a member of Maxton’s exclusive 200mph club.


Dave was not only a brutal force to be reckoned with on the track, but he was also known throughout the land speed community for his willingness to help others, even his competitors. He also served as crew chief and tuner for several other teams at Bonneville and the Texas Mile. Dave was 48 years old and lived in Lakeville, MA.

He spent many years working with some of the top teams in AMA Dragbike. Dave was the “go-to guy” for racers. He was involved with the AMA SuperSport championship efforts of Rickey Gadson in 2005 and Vince Woska, Jr. in 2006.

Dave’s oldest son Josh (also a Maxton 200mph club member) was in attendance, and when consulted by the ECTA officials gave his consent to continue the meet knowing it was what his father would have wanted. After a rider meeting, a prayer and a moment of silence the event was restarted.
Dave was one of those special people that once met could not be forgotten and will be missed by all. And I would like to say goodbye to a dear friend.
- Don Smith

Below is a photo of Dave helping Charlie Anstaett off the line at Maxton aboard the turbocharged Hayabusa that Dave had built and tuned. Shortly after Charlie’s 255 mph run, Dave climbed aboard his own Hayabusa to make his first pass of the meet, as a veteran racer no one expected the unfortunate incident that would follow.





AMA Dragbike will hold a benefit auction at the Nationals Finals in Valdosta, GA to benefit Dave's Family. We are calling out to any business or individual who would like to help Dave's family.
The auction will be held under the pavilion on Friday evening after the first round of qualifying.
 If you are interested in contributing any items or services to the auction please click here. A list of auction items will be maintained on the home page of AMA Dragbike and Dragbike.com.
 Thank you for your support!
Scott Valetti
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