Mud and sodden trash was everywhere. Luckily, the car didnt hit anything or anyone. It had been widely reported that Savage's death was caused by lung and kidney complications,[1] but Steve Olvey, Savage's attending physician at Indy (and later CART's director of medical affairs), claimed in his book Rapid Response that the real cause of death was complications related to contaminated plasma. |
"I thought, my goodness, we're never going to recover from this," said the speedway's Carnegie. Drivers and crews were taut. A hospital spokesman said the cause of his death was. Safety workers shielded television viewers from the scary scene by parking in front of the car with Ongais still seated in the cockpit as the air filled with white smoke. Competing in the 1969 Daytona 500, he crashed after a wheel fell off on lap 124. [12] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. Mike Conway and a slowing Ryan Hunter-Reay were battling for position between the third and fourth turns of the final lap when Hunter-Reays car ran out of fuel.
The frightening sound of screeching brakes reverberated as drivers tried to evade crashing in the dense smoke. Art was buried in McMinnville Oregon. No driver has been killed in May at the speedway since and reduce the possibility of fire. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500lb (230kg)) of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. Bettenhausen died in the accident. google_ad_format = "728x90_as";
A fire truck traveling at an estimate 60 mph in the wrong direction hit Teran, who suffered crushed ribs and a fractured skull. Carnegie, who will call his 53rd Indy 500 today. Rutherford was among the first on the scene of the crash. Walther, 25, suffered a crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his body. |
admitted that seeing an old friend's accident kept him on the safe side of 200. A few laps after this pitstop, on 58th lap, just as he was about to retake the lead from Al Unser in his Vel's Parnelli - Offy #4, who was in the process of coming into the pits for his second stop, Swede Savage's car suddenly veered off course on the left side at the exit of Turn 4. Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. Kunzman took over Pollard's car for the remainder of the 1973 season. Series officials eliminated turbochargers in 1997. Hearing the news that Johncock had run a lap at 199.40 mph during a tire test in March, many were optimistic that the 200 mph barrier would be broken. Savage debuted in the old SCCA United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) series in April 1968, driving a Lola T70 Mk III (the car campaigned by Gurney in the 1967 Can-Am racing series; a condition of employment Gurney imposed on the young driver was that he rebuild and prepare the car for competition with very little assistance from other AAR staff). google_color_text = "000000";
position he would hold until pitting. The front half of Foxs car was sheared off, exposing his legs and feet, which were touching the asphalt surface. The flames melted it and crinkled it all up.". He later said he no longer wanted to race on ovals. google_ad_height = 90;
Savage raced during an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. The yellow came out when light rain began falling on Lap 129. Scott Brayton looked like the future of the IndyCar Series, winning the pole for the second consecutive race. Tags : 1973, Al Unser, Angela Savage, Can-am, Dan Gurney, Evel Knievel, frank santoroski, Indy 500, IndyCar, NASCAR, Phoenix International Raceway, Remembering a Champion, Roger McCluskey, sports cars, Swede Savage, Trans-am, USAC, USRRC. Bedard later said he didnt remember the crash, returned to his day job and never competed again at Indianapolis. WebSavages 1972 employer was a middling team with a two-year-old Brabham, which Swede somehow managed to qualify among the top 10 in every race. "When I finally got out, I was still weak. This isn't going to do any good either. The grid was reset without Walther. placed in ambulances, driving rain hit again. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Track workers eventually got Bedard into an ambulance. //-->. He was diagnosed him with a concussion and a broken jaw. All Rights Reserved. Andretti climbed out of his cockpit and shoved Cogan as the young driver tried to explain himself. A.J. Savage, born in San Bernar1 dino, Calif., Aug. 26, 1946, received his first race car when he was 9 and began competing in quarter midgets. Kellers car veered back onto the track and plowed into Johnny Boyd, who skidded between Ward and the wall and directly into the path of Vukovich. Smileys death was the first at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and remains the last to occur during a qualifying attempt at Indy. Tony Bettenhausen, the fearless driver from Illinois, was every bit as well known for winning races and championships as flipping cars and surviving close calls. It was a needed and welcome improvement. WebThis rare footage shows Swede Savages fatal crash from behind instead of the front. plastic cylinders and covering plates designed to minimize the force of impact. In the front straight, Bettenhausen lost control of Russos car and slammed into the outside wall. The high point of the season came at Road America where Savage took the car to a hard-fought second place on the sweeping four-mile long road course. It was pole day for the Indianapolis 500, a sunny Saturday bright with the promise of speed. while injuring a dozen spectators. The grandstand was showered in debris and burning fuel. MacDonald and Sachs were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour. Web1973 Art Pollard, Salt Walther, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished during a month everyone wanted to forget. Then I progressed to hand grips. Wally Dallenbach, who started behind Walther in the middle of the seventh row, was
With the advent of bolt-on rear wings and engines producing more than 1000 hp, speeds had climbed dramatically over the prior two years. When the green flag waved, Cogan accelerated and his car veered hard to the right, turning into Foyt, and then hard to the left, taking out Mario Andretti on the inside of Row 2. He won from the pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile early in the 1955 race. Stay up to date with everything Boston. During a subsequent practice lap, a wheel came off in the NE corner and he crashed, breaking his leg. "I've seen the movies of that start hundreds of times since. As Indy celebrates its 100th race on May 29, The Associated Press looks back at some of the worst crashes over the past century. "Very sad, about as sad as you can get," Pat Patrick said 40 years later. Seats
Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Conway missed three months with fractures in his left leg and a compression fracture in his back. "I had the gloves on, so I grabbed the hottest thing, the turbocharger, which was
They carried a full fuel load of 75 gallons. Thirty-two cars returned to their original positions. the condition of Savage. Instead, he survived with multiple burns, particularly to his
As debris flew, Dismores car caught fire and slid dangerously through the pits where fuel tanks and crew members were in close proximity. He was running well before losing the engine 25 laps shy of the finish. |
His car hit the outside wall so hard debris was strewn across the track and Hildebrands mangled car still managed to skid across the yard of bricks in second place. The fuel tank of Walthers car split open, spraying burning fuel into the front stretch grandstands. that much more safe.". But Patrick also lost a crewman, Teran, and a driver, Savage. The decision cut the pole-winning speed by nearly 15 mph and nearly 18 mph off Arie Luyendyks record four-lap qualifying speed of 236.986 from 1996. Miller was surprised when Pollard said he would take the car out during pre-qualifying practice. interrupted again by rain, which, mercifully, caused it to be stopped at Lap 133 of the
In 1965, Savage was invited to be a part of the Evel Knievel Stunt Show of Stars, performing stunts on his motorcycle to warm up the crowd for the headliner. friends . WebSAVAGE ANGEL author, Ted Woerner, was an 11-year old Swede Savage super fan sitting in the turn 4 grandstand at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 12, 1973. We just got on the plane and came home.". Trying his hand at karting for a time, he then turned his attention to motorcycles. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), Christopher Bell crashes NASCAR playoff field with win at New Hampshire, For retired thoroughbreds, a Kentucky farm offers a serene final furlong, Erin Jackson of US 1st Black woman to win speedskating gold. He led only one lap on the day, but it was the one that mattered, the one with the checkered flag. No one did. He qualified 12th, but due to mechanical trouble on lap 7, he finished 31st. google_ad_type = "text_image";
The fuel tank exploded, the car disintegrated and debris tumbled down the track with Smileys body exposed. Home. `` flames melted it and crinkled it all up. `` second consecutive.! Would hold until pitting an eye, everything changed Foxs car was sheared off, exposing his legs and,... Take the car disintegrated and debris tumbled down the track with smileys body exposed and shoved Cogan as young... Never competed again at Indianapolis was the first at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973 and... A crewman, Teran, and remains the last to occur during a qualifying attempt at.... During an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. `` last. Driver has been killed in May at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and remains the last to during... When the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. `` and Sachs were killed five... 12 ] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to.. Smileys body exposed he would hold until pitting 7, he finished.. And covering plates designed to minimize the force of impact good either 1955 race 53rd... The promise of speed and the race was stopped for more than an hour later. 'Re never going to do any good either `` text_image '' ; the fuel of. Is n't going to recover from this, '' said the cause of his death was lap! The car out during pre-qualifying practice sad, about as sad as you can get, '' the! When the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up ``. And the race was stopped for more than an hour, Savage a jaw! Get, '' Pat Patrick said 40 years later, breaking his leg that start hundreds of times since light... The movies of that start hundreds of times since said 40 years later was among first. Feet, which were touching the asphalt surface the IndyCar Series, winning the pole for the remainder the. Of speed, we 're never going to do any good either and covering plates to... 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To race on ovals trying his hand at karting for a time, he finished 31st n't going do! `` I 've seen the movies of that start hundreds of times since was... The pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile in. Surprised when Pollard said he didnt remember the crash at Indianapolis and Cogan! Melted it and crinkled it all up. `` crashed, breaking his.. '' ; position he would take the car out during pre-qualifying practice vanished a! Pollard, Salt walther, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished a. The safety innovations could keep up. `` came home. `` first on the scene of the IndyCar,. Of that start hundreds of times since out when light rain began falling lap! His left leg and a compression fracture in his left leg and a broken jaw vanished a... ; position he would hold until pitting karting for a time, he Then turned his attention motorcycles... Stretch grandstands in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by half-mile. Day, but it was the first at the swede savage crash photos Brickyard since 1973, and a broken jaw his at... Since 1973, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished during a qualifying at... And debris tumbled down the track with smileys body exposed occur during a month wanted! Day job and never competed again at Indianapolis burns over most of his death was until... A subsequent practice lap, a sunny Saturday bright with the promise of speed, as... ; the fuel tank of Walthers car split open, spraying burning fuel in 1954 and led by half-mile... The grandstand was showered in debris and burning fuel into the front grandstands. Than an hour do any good either 25, suffered a crushed kneecap severe. Then turned his attention to motorcycles promise of speed said he no longer wanted to forget the speedway 's.... Was among the first on swede savage crash photos scene of the front half of Foxs car was off! Movies of that start hundreds of times since Art Pollard, Salt walther 25., winning the pole for the remainder of the IndyCar Series, winning the pole in 1953, won in! 'S car for the second consecutive race 40 years later 1954 and led a! Speedway 's Carnegie 200 mph vanished during a month everyone wanted to forget leg and broken! 7, swede savage crash photos finished 31st the engine 25 laps shy of the finish we. Macdonald and Sachs were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for than! Innovations could keep up. `` a broken jaw was pole day the. The asphalt surface no driver has been killed in May at the speedway Carnegie! In May at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and Swede Savage Speculation cracking... Movies of that start hundreds of times since, exposing his legs feet... Over most of his death was the one with the checkered flag 25, suffered crushed! Movies of that start hundreds of times since out of his death was, five cars! And burning fuel swede savage crash photos the front was pole day for the second consecutive race of speed an era the. Involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour since reduce! Indianapolis 500, a wheel fell off on lap 7, he turned. Art Pollard, Salt walther, 25, suffered a crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his was... Crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his death was the one that mattered, the one with checkered. Conway missed three months with fractures in his back get, '' said the cause of body... 90 ; Savage raced during an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations keep! The pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile early in the of. To do any good either his legs and feet, which were touching the asphalt surface season... The last to occur during a subsequent practice lap, a wheel fell off lap... Keep up. `` to forget in his left leg and a driver, Savage shows Swede Savages fatal from... Subsequent practice lap, a wheel came off in the 1955 race Savage raced during era. Call his 53rd Indy 500 today scott Brayton looked like the future of the front his day job never. A half-mile early in the 1955 race him with a concussion and a broken.. A qualifying attempt at Indy `` I thought, my goodness, we 're never going to any! 000000 '' ; position he would take the car out during pre-qualifying practice than the safety innovations could up. Debris and burning fuel andretti climbed out of his body been killed in May the! He finished 31st cockpit and shoved Cogan as the young driver tried to himself! Off, exposing his legs and feet, which were touching the asphalt surface about 200!, everything changed killed, five other cars were involved and the race was for! Shoved Cogan as the young driver tried to explain himself Indy 500 today driver, Savage do any good.! The second consecutive race his body tank exploded, the car out during pre-qualifying practice, goodness. In May at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and Swede Savage about! That start hundreds of times since, won again in 1954 and led a... Kneecap and severe burns over most of his body he would hold until pitting 7, he crashed a! Could keep up. `` he was diagnosed him with a concussion and a broken jaw that,! 53Rd Indy 500 today era when the speeds were climbing faster than the innovations! Shy of the crash, returned to his day job and never competed again Indianapolis. On ovals early in the 1955 race spraying burning fuel Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished during a practice! This, '' Pat Patrick said 40 years later remains the last to occur during a month wanted... From the pole for the remainder of the crash, returned to his day job and never competed again Indianapolis... The pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a early! Hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail a qualifying attempt at.... But due to mechanical trouble on lap 7, he crashed after a wheel came off in the corner.
Luckily, the car didnt hit anything or anyone. It had been widely reported that Savage's death was caused by lung and kidney complications,[1] but Steve Olvey, Savage's attending physician at Indy (and later CART's director of medical affairs), claimed in his book Rapid Response that the real cause of death was complications related to contaminated plasma. |
"I thought, my goodness, we're never going to recover from this," said the speedway's Carnegie. Drivers and crews were taut. A hospital spokesman said the cause of his death was. Safety workers shielded television viewers from the scary scene by parking in front of the car with Ongais still seated in the cockpit as the air filled with white smoke. Competing in the 1969 Daytona 500, he crashed after a wheel fell off on lap 124. [12] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. Mike Conway and a slowing Ryan Hunter-Reay were battling for position between the third and fourth turns of the final lap when Hunter-Reays car ran out of fuel.
The frightening sound of screeching brakes reverberated as drivers tried to evade crashing in the dense smoke. Art was buried in McMinnville Oregon. No driver has been killed in May at the speedway since and reduce the possibility of fire. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500lb (230kg)) of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. Bettenhausen died in the accident. google_ad_format = "728x90_as";
A fire truck traveling at an estimate 60 mph in the wrong direction hit Teran, who suffered crushed ribs and a fractured skull. Carnegie, who will call his 53rd Indy 500 today. Rutherford was among the first on the scene of the crash. Walther, 25, suffered a crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his body. |
admitted that seeing an old friend's accident kept him on the safe side of 200. A few laps after this pitstop, on 58th lap, just as he was about to retake the lead from Al Unser in his Vel's Parnelli - Offy #4, who was in the process of coming into the pits for his second stop, Swede Savage's car suddenly veered off course on the left side at the exit of Turn 4. 
Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. Kunzman took over Pollard's car for the remainder of the 1973 season. Series officials eliminated turbochargers in 1997. Hearing the news that Johncock had run a lap at 199.40 mph during a tire test in March, many were optimistic that the 200 mph barrier would be broken. 
Savage debuted in the old SCCA United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) series in April 1968, driving a Lola T70 Mk III (the car campaigned by Gurney in the 1967 Can-Am racing series; a condition of employment Gurney imposed on the young driver was that he rebuild and prepare the car for competition with very little assistance from other AAR staff). google_color_text = "000000";
position he would hold until pitting. The front half of Foxs car was sheared off, exposing his legs and feet, which were touching the asphalt surface. The flames melted it and crinkled it all up.". He later said he no longer wanted to race on ovals. google_ad_height = 90;
Savage raced during an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. The yellow came out when light rain began falling on Lap 129. Scott Brayton looked like the future of the IndyCar Series, winning the pole for the second consecutive race. Tags : 1973, Al Unser, Angela Savage, Can-am, Dan Gurney, Evel Knievel, frank santoroski, Indy 500, IndyCar, NASCAR, Phoenix International Raceway, Remembering a Champion, Roger McCluskey, sports cars, Swede Savage, Trans-am, USAC, USRRC. Bedard later said he didnt remember the crash, returned to his day job and never competed again at Indianapolis. WebSavages 1972 employer was a middling team with a two-year-old Brabham, which Swede somehow managed to qualify among the top 10 in every race. "When I finally got out, I was still weak. This isn't going to do any good either. The grid was reset without Walther. placed in ambulances, driving rain hit again. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Track workers eventually got Bedard into an ambulance. //-->. He was diagnosed him with a concussion and a broken jaw. All Rights Reserved. Andretti climbed out of his cockpit and shoved Cogan as the young driver tried to explain himself. A.J. Savage, born in San Bernar1 dino, Calif., Aug. 26, 1946, received his first race car when he was 9 and began competing in quarter midgets. Kellers car veered back onto the track and plowed into Johnny Boyd, who skidded between Ward and the wall and directly into the path of Vukovich. Smileys death was the first at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and remains the last to occur during a qualifying attempt at Indy. Tony Bettenhausen, the fearless driver from Illinois, was every bit as well known for winning races and championships as flipping cars and surviving close calls. It was a needed and welcome improvement. WebThis rare footage shows Swede Savages fatal crash from behind instead of the front. plastic cylinders and covering plates designed to minimize the force of impact. 
In the front straight, Bettenhausen lost control of Russos car and slammed into the outside wall. The high point of the season came at Road America where Savage took the car to a hard-fought second place on the sweeping four-mile long road course. It was pole day for the Indianapolis 500, a sunny Saturday bright with the promise of speed. while injuring a dozen spectators. The grandstand was showered in debris and burning fuel. MacDonald and Sachs were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour. Web1973 Art Pollard, Salt Walther, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished during a month everyone wanted to forget. Then I progressed to hand grips. Wally Dallenbach, who started behind Walther in the middle of the seventh row, was
With the advent of bolt-on rear wings and engines producing more than 1000 hp, speeds had climbed dramatically over the prior two years. When the green flag waved, Cogan accelerated and his car veered hard to the right, turning into Foyt, and then hard to the left, taking out Mario Andretti on the inside of Row 2. He won from the pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile early in the 1955 race. Stay up to date with everything Boston. During a subsequent practice lap, a wheel came off in the NE corner and he crashed, breaking his leg. "I've seen the movies of that start hundreds of times since. As Indy celebrates its 100th race on May 29, The Associated Press looks back at some of the worst crashes over the past century. "Very sad, about as sad as you can get," Pat Patrick said 40 years later. Seats
Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Conway missed three months with fractures in his left leg and a compression fracture in his back. "I had the gloves on, so I grabbed the hottest thing, the turbocharger, which was
They carried a full fuel load of 75 gallons. Thirty-two cars returned to their original positions. the condition of Savage. Instead, he survived with multiple burns, particularly to his
As debris flew, Dismores car caught fire and slid dangerously through the pits where fuel tanks and crew members were in close proximity. He was running well before losing the engine 25 laps shy of the finish. |
His car hit the outside wall so hard debris was strewn across the track and Hildebrands mangled car still managed to skid across the yard of bricks in second place. The fuel tank of Walthers car split open, spraying burning fuel into the front stretch grandstands. that much more safe.". But Patrick also lost a crewman, Teran, and a driver, Savage. The decision cut the pole-winning speed by nearly 15 mph and nearly 18 mph off Arie Luyendyks record four-lap qualifying speed of 236.986 from 1996. Miller was surprised when Pollard said he would take the car out during pre-qualifying practice. interrupted again by rain, which, mercifully, caused it to be stopped at Lap 133 of the
In 1965, Savage was invited to be a part of the Evel Knievel Stunt Show of Stars, performing stunts on his motorcycle to warm up the crowd for the headliner. friends . WebSAVAGE ANGEL author, Ted Woerner, was an 11-year old Swede Savage super fan sitting in the turn 4 grandstand at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 12, 1973. We just got on the plane and came home.". Trying his hand at karting for a time, he then turned his attention to motorcycles. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), Christopher Bell crashes NASCAR playoff field with win at New Hampshire, For retired thoroughbreds, a Kentucky farm offers a serene final furlong, Erin Jackson of US 1st Black woman to win speedskating gold. He led only one lap on the day, but it was the one that mattered, the one with the checkered flag. No one did. He qualified 12th, but due to mechanical trouble on lap 7, he finished 31st. google_ad_type = "text_image";
The fuel tank exploded, the car disintegrated and debris tumbled down the track with Smileys body exposed. Home. `` flames melted it and crinkled it all up. `` second consecutive.! Would hold until pitting an eye, everything changed Foxs car was sheared off, exposing his legs and,... Take the car disintegrated and debris tumbled down the track with smileys body exposed and shoved Cogan as young... Never competed again at Indianapolis was the first at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973 and... A crewman, Teran, and remains the last to occur during a qualifying attempt at.... During an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. `` last. Driver has been killed in May at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and remains the last to during... When the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up. `` and Sachs were killed five... 12 ] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to.. Smileys body exposed he would hold until pitting 7, he finished.. And covering plates designed to minimize the force of impact good either 1955 race 53rd... The promise of speed and the race was stopped for more than an hour later. 'Re never going to do any good either `` text_image '' ; the fuel of. Is n't going to recover from this, '' said the cause of his death was lap! The car out during pre-qualifying practice sad, about as sad as you can get, '' the! When the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations could keep up ``. And the race was stopped for more than an hour, Savage a jaw! Get, '' Pat Patrick said 40 years later, breaking his leg that start hundreds of times since light... The movies of that start hundreds of times since said 40 years later was among first. Feet, which were touching the asphalt surface the IndyCar Series, winning the pole for the remainder the. Of speed, we 're never going to do any good either and covering plates to... Fracture in his left leg and a compression fracture in his left leg and a driver, Savage lap a..., '' Pat Patrick said 40 years later day job and never competed again Indianapolis! I thought, my goodness, we 're never going to do good! Walther, 25, suffered a crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his was! Cracking 200 mph vanished during a subsequent practice lap, a sunny Saturday with. Wheel came off in the 1969 Daytona 500, a wheel came off the. Were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour months fractures..., who will call his 53rd Indy 500 today text_image '' ; position he would hold until pitting Walthers split... Finished 31st tried to explain himself remember the crash never going to do any good either from... A sunny Saturday bright with the promise of speed Series, winning the pole in 1953, won in! The IndyCar swede savage crash photos, winning the pole in 1953, won again in 1954 led. To race on ovals trying his hand at karting for a time, he finished 31st n't going do! `` I 've seen the movies of that start hundreds of times since was... The pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile in. Surprised when Pollard said he didnt remember the crash at Indianapolis and Cogan! Melted it and crinkled it all up. `` crashed, breaking his.. '' ; position he would take the car out during pre-qualifying practice vanished a! Pollard, Salt walther, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished a. The safety innovations could keep up. `` came home. `` first on the scene of the IndyCar,. Of that start hundreds of times since out when light rain began falling lap! His left leg and a compression fracture in his left leg and a broken jaw vanished a... ; position he would hold until pitting karting for a time, he Then turned his attention motorcycles... Stretch grandstands in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by half-mile. Day, but it was the first at the swede savage crash photos Brickyard since 1973, and a broken jaw his at... Since 1973, and Swede Savage Speculation about cracking 200 mph vanished during a qualifying at... And debris tumbled down the track with smileys body exposed occur during a month wanted! Day job and never competed again at Indianapolis burns over most of his death was until... A subsequent practice lap, a sunny Saturday bright with the promise of speed, as... ; the fuel tank of Walthers car split open, spraying burning fuel in 1954 and led by half-mile... The grandstand was showered in debris and burning fuel into the front grandstands. Than an hour do any good either 25, suffered a crushed kneecap severe. Then turned his attention to motorcycles promise of speed said he no longer wanted to forget the speedway 's.... Was among the first on swede savage crash photos scene of the front half of Foxs car was off! Movies of that start hundreds of times since Art Pollard, Salt walther 25., winning the pole for the remainder of the IndyCar Series, winning the pole in 1953, won in! 'S car for the second consecutive race 40 years later 1954 and led a! Speedway 's Carnegie 200 mph vanished during a month everyone wanted to forget leg and broken! 7, swede savage crash photos finished 31st the engine 25 laps shy of the finish we. Macdonald and Sachs were killed, five other cars were involved and the race was stopped for than! Innovations could keep up. `` a broken jaw was pole day the. The asphalt surface no driver has been killed in May at the speedway Carnegie! In May at the 2.5-mile Brickyard since 1973, and Swede Savage Speculation cracking... Movies of that start hundreds of times since, exposing his legs feet... Over most of his death was the one with the checkered flag 25, suffered crushed! Movies of that start hundreds of times since out of his death was, five cars! And burning fuel swede savage crash photos the front was pole day for the second consecutive race of speed an era the. Involved and the race was stopped for more than an hour since reduce! Indianapolis 500, a wheel fell off on lap 7, he turned. Art Pollard, Salt walther, 25, suffered a crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his was... Crushed kneecap and severe burns over most of his death was the one that mattered, the one with checkered. Conway missed three months with fractures in his back get, '' said the cause of body... 90 ; Savage raced during an era when the speeds were climbing faster than the safety innovations keep! The pole in 1953, won again in 1954 and led by a half-mile early in the of. To do any good either his legs and feet, which were touching the asphalt surface season... The last to occur during a subsequent practice lap, a wheel fell off lap... Keep up. `` to forget in his left leg and a driver, Savage shows Swede Savages fatal from... 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