Local racer dies in accident at Woodburn Dragstrip

WOODBURN, Oregon (KPTV) – A longtime local drag racer with a history of big wins was killed in a tragic accident at the Woodburn Dragstrip this weekend.

At around 7 p.m. Saturday night, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported that 77-year-old Dave Sattem won a race at the “Oldies but Goodies” event at the Woodburn Drag Strip when he lost control of his vehicle, crashed and died.

“Before he started drag racing, he raced motorcycles, so he loved speed,” said Sattem’s wife, Linda. “He was a very outgoing person. He had a great smile.”

Linda says Sattem was known as a “silver fox” and loved his racing community.

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“He liked to help people. If they were just starting out in drag racing, he would try to give them advice,” she said. “He would laugh and joke with people. He always tried to keep people safe and enjoy the sport that he loved so much.”

She says Sattem had his accident with his 1933 Willys Coupe but was not present at the race.

Now Linda relies on the support of her family and friends.

“So many people have come to help me, called me, brought me food, and I’m still trying to do all the paperwork that comes with death,” she said. “I think I’m OK.”

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Sattem, an Air Force veteran, planned to celebrate his 48th wedding anniversary next month. He leaves behind his wife and son.

“Now I wake up in the morning and think, ‘I don’t know. What should I do? What do I have to do?'” she said.

Woodburn Dragstrip remembered Dave in a post on Sunday.

They will hold a service in Sattem’s honor on Saturday, June 29 at 8 a.m.

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