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The Waterland Blog

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Posted inDes Moines News

Sadly, local racing legend Steve Huff has passed away at age 58

by EditorMay 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Sadly, Steve Huff – trailblazing racer, custom bike builder, electric dragster innovator, and tireless cancer warrior – passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by teammates, friends and family, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

He was 58.

Born on October 16, 1966, on Whidbey Island, Washington, Steve’s life was defined by velocity, vision, and a heart as powerful as his engines. Originally born in Oak Harbor, WA he graduated from South Whidbey High School.

A professional racing career spanning more than 30 years, Steve set more than 20 national and world speed records. In 2020, he made global headlines as the designer, builder, and driver of the world’s first 200 mph electric dragster. He earned international exposure through the NHRA and established himself as a pioneer and innovator of the drag racing’s electric future.

Steve’s talents didn’t stop at the track. A master custom motorcycle builder, his bikes graced the covers of major magazines and turned heads across the country, each one a work of art infused with precision, attitude, and always speed. Steve was once named the “Best bike builder you’ve never heard of.”

In 2020, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer – a challenge that he met with the same determination and grit he brought to all aspects of his life and racing career.

Despite the diagnosis, Steve called 2022 the best year of his life. That year, he achieved his first National Championship, the APBA National Hydroplane Championship, a dream realized on the water that brought him deep pride and joy.

In addition, Steve and the Huff Motorsports team (headquartered in SeaTac) made 4 NHRA Nationals events with the Electric Dragster, and appearances at Cancer Care facilities and childhood learning events across the nation.

In his words:

“In the years since my cancer diagnosis I finally became ‘the man I always wanted to be’ living with intention, surrounded by love, and giving back in every way I could.”

Steve’s greatest victories weren’t just in motorsports. Steve gave back to his community through outreach and mentorship of young people, especially those with alternate learning styles. Inspiring young minds to chase their own kind of greatness, embracing their unique Superpowers. He didn’t just break records—he broke molds, redefining what it means to live fully, and leave a legacy worth celebrating.

Steve was a long term resident of Des Moines, WA and the City of SeaTac where he worked on his racing teams and their vehicles for over 20 years. September 22nd was named officially Steve Huff Motorsports Day by the City of SeaTac mayor in 2020, in honor of setting the first ever 200 mph record in the electric dragster.

He is survived by a community of racers, builders, dreamers, and fighters who will carry his legacy forward on the road, on the water, and in the hearts he touched.

Celebration of Life Soon

Details for a celebration of life will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the soon-to-be created Steve Huff Memorial Foundation to establish scholarships (please email pr@stevehuffmotorsports.com for more details).

More information soon.

Share Your Memories

Please also send your memories, stories, and photos to Facebook.com/LookingOverTheFence where we are collecting material for Steve’s biography or garageasylum@yahoo.com.

Previous Coverage

Read our previous coverage of the amazing Steve here.

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