But Tuesday was wet and the drivers saw the red flag while on their parade lap. Born David Earl Savage, Jr. on August 26, 1946, in a hospital founded by his grandfather, "Swede" Savage was an American race car driver whose career was just reaching the stratosphere when he was fatally injured in a devastating crash in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. On the first day of qualifying, gusting winds slowed Savage from matching his best practice speeds, but he still shattered the track record with a four-lap qualifying average of 196.582 mph (316.368 km/h). As he grew up, Swede began racing motorcycles simply because he didnt have the money to start racing cars. Read more about this topic: Swede Savage, Racing Career, O shipwhite-sailed of Crete,you brought my mistressfrom her quiet palacethrough breaker and crash of surfto love-rite of unhappiness!Hilda Doolittle (18861961). On the first day of qualifying, gusting winds slowed Savage from matching his best practice speeds, but he still shattered the track record with a four-lap qualifying average of 196.582 mph (316.368 km/h). While still being trapped into the wreckage, rescuers saw him moving, a fact that astonished Jim McKay and Chris Economaki, covering the race for ABC Sports broadcasts. Only a cou. Born David Earl Savage, Jr. on August 26, 1946, in a hospital founded by his grandfather, Swede Savage was an American race car driver whose career was just reaching the stratosphere when he was fatally injured in a devastating crash in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. [10] The force of the impact, with the car carrying a full load of fuel, caused the car to explode in a massive 60-foot (18m)-high plume of flame.[8][9][11]. Only a couple of hundred yards past the start-line, the blue McLaren - Offy of rookie Salt Walther skidded to the right and hit Jerry Grant's Eagle - Offy, crashing against the wall. [citation needed] Lung failure was repeated as the cause of death by Savage's daughter Angela in a May 2015 interview.[13]. RARE ALTERNATIVE ANGLE of Savage's crash and aftermath happened during Indy 500 1973Description:Swede Savage was comfortably leading the field by 42nd lap, in the STP-sponsored Eagle - Offenhauser #40 prepared by George Bignotti, when he pitted for refueling and new tires on the 55th lap. Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. It was Swede's choice. A second theory is provided by numerous drivers complaining over their radios about oil on the track, as pole sitter Rutherford had been given the black flag for dropping fluid, most likely oil. Swede Savage, 1973 Indy 500 Auto Racing: Indianapolis 500: Aerial view of Swede Savage with medical staff after sustaining injury during crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. They were teammates together in the 1970 Trans Am series in what have become two of the most iconic road racing cars of all time: the twin 1970 All American Racers Plymouth Barracudas. Indianapolis, IN 5/30/1973 CREDIT: John Iacono (Photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X17734 TK1 R17 F19 ) PURCHASE A LICENSE He died later that day at a local hospital. Even though Savage suffered extensive and complex fractures on his legs, his return to the tracks was considered sure, and Wally Dallenbach was recruited by George Bignotti for Team Patrick-STP as a temporary replacement during his absence. View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino, California. 2023 Getty Images. Among those that were complaining about oil on the track were Jerry Grant, who mentioned so in an interview with Dave Diles of ABC Sports after Savage's crash. Savage died more than a month after the race. (AP Photo), Track crew tries to extinguish the fire from the crash of Swede Savage's car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Bill Vukovich, Jr. was second, the only other car on the lead lap when the race was called, Roger McCluskey who set the fastest lap of the race, finished 3rd, two laps down. In his book \"Rapid Response: My Inside Story as a Motor Racing Life-Saver\" published in 2010, Dr. Stephen Olvey who was Swede Savage's attending physician at Indianapolis hospital, and later CART's Director of Medical Affairs, indicated that the real cause of death was complications related to a blood transfusion, contaminated with Hepatitis B, which caused his liver to fail.Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swede_Savage Born David Earl Savage, Jr. on August 26, 1946, in a hospital founded by his grandfather, "Swede" Savage was an American race car driver whose career was just reaching the stratosphere when he was fatally injured in a devastating crash in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. United States. In January 1967, Savage made a point of showing up at a Ford Motor Company test session at Riverside International Raceway attended by, among others, racing legend Dan Gurney. While still being trapped into the wreckage, rescuers saw him moving, a fact that astonished Jim McKay and Chris Economaki, covering the race for ABC Sports broadcasts. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1973; 5314. Among those complaining about oil on the track was Jerry Grant, in an interview with Dave Diles of ABC Sports while the wreckage from Savage's crash was cleaned off the track. Even though Savage suffered extensive and complex fractures on his legs, his return to the tracks was considered sure, and Wally Dallenbach was recruited by George Bignotti for Team Patrick-STP as a temporary replacement during his absence. 5/30/1973 7307220348 . Swede Savage fatal crash at Indy 500 (30 May 1973) ALL ANGLES & PICTURES. Savage would survive the crash but die a little more than four months later. Auto Racing: Indianapolis 500: Aerial view of Swede Savage with medical staff after sustaining injury during crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In his book \"Rapid Response: My Inside Story as a Motor Racing Life-Saver\" published in 2010, Dr. Stephen Olvey who was Swede Savage's attending physician at Indianapolis hospital, and later CART's Director of Medical Affairs, indicated that the real cause of death was complications related to a blood transfusion, contaminated with Hepatitis B, which caused his liver to fail. In his book \"Rapid Response: My Inside Story as a Motor Racing Life-Saver\" published in 2010, Dr. Stephen Olvey who was Swede Savage's attending physician at Indianapolis hospital, and later CART's Director of Medical Affairs, indicated that the real cause of death was complications related to a blood transfusion, contaminated with Hepatitis B, which caused his liver to fail.While safety crews and fire fighters were rushing to the scene of Swede Savage's crash, a firetruck tried to shortcut its way and drove up the pitlane against the normal flow of race traffic at about 60 mi/h, striking in his back the unaware Armando Teran, a crewman for Graham McRae's car, causing him fatal injuries. Rick Mears, a four-time Indy 500 winner, warned the race could lose its appeal if the element of danger is lost. Prior approval is required for ALL uses of images depicting SPORTS ILLUSTRATED or GOLF magazine covers, and for ANY use in RETAIL PRODUCTS. Collect, curate and comment on your files. On lap 58 Savage, just behind Al Unser, who was about to make a pit stop of his own, and pushing hard in anticipation of a coming rainstorm, lost control as he exited turn four. When that green flag goes down, you gotta worry about yourself. Swede Savage (1946-1973) - Find a Grave Memorial. This content is intended for editorial use only. FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. His widow Sheryl, who is six months pregnant, is seated at far right. In 1968 and 1969, he also raced in NASCAR events. Swede Savage Horrifying Fatal Crash: Rare Footage Alternate Angels AlvinKarpis007 1.71K subscribers Subscribe 148 86K views 10 years ago This rare footage shows Swede Savages fatal crash from. However, he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. Foyt, who won the tragic-filled 1964 Indy 500, said last week that he believed Savage sustained a head injury a week earlier during a road race in Ontario, Calif., that may have been partly responsible for his crash. According to eyewitness reports, the right half of the car's rear wing had come loose before the crash, this has not yet been confirmed. On May 12, 1973, Swede broke the track record in Indianapolis 500 qualifying in front of a Pole Day crowd estimated at 250,000 people. In 1970, Savage and Gurney drove identical factory-sponsored Plymouth Barracudas in the Trans-Am Series. [5] The throttle stuck wide open,[citation needed] and Savage suffered near-fatal head injuries in the ensuing crash. Swede Savage Rare Disturbing Alternate View Indy 500 1973 18+ Motorsport Events 30 subscribers Subscribe 14 Share 3.3K views 1 year ago RARE ALTERNATIVE ANGLE of Savage's crash and aftermath. Many believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead of the race. 65 Swede Savage Premium High Res Photos Browse 65 swede savage stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. By his mid-teens he was racing motorcycles competitively. 1973 Indianapolis 500 crash and subsequent death, Complete Non-Championship Formula One results, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Andretti Wins Both Heats of Questor Race", "Swede Savage 1973 Indy 500 Fatal Crash Original ABC Broadcast Footage", "Deadly May of 1973 still resonates at Indianapolis Motor Speedway", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swede_Savage&oldid=1133528939, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 07:12. Rain delayed, interrupted and shortened the race which. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 - July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. But reducing the size of the fuel tank (now 18 gallons) and switching to less combustible fuels are among the primary reasons open-wheel racing is safer, Andretti and Foyt said. Savage was the last driver to die in the race (1973) and no driver has been killed in May at IMS since pole-winner Scott Brayton in a fatal crash testing a backup car in 1996. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. Indianapolis, IN 5/30/1973 In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. Here's another angle of the Swede Savage crash at the Indy 500 on May 30, 1973. High-quality motorsport photography galleries featuring Swede Savage. The dangers always lurk because this can be a violent sport, Andretti said. I had to accept that or do something else with my life. (AP Photo/David F. Smith), This is the explosion of Swede Savage's STP car as he crashed during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. All our drivers now have a 99 percent chance of retiring on their own terms.. With AAR's racing program cut back due to budget troubles, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the Southern California area. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. Special Hot Stove Edition Angela Savage Pit Lane Radio 1/4 LIVE 12N EST JANUARY 3, 2014 BY JOHN G LEAVE A COMMENT (EDIT) Not long after Swede Savages death from an accident at the Indianapolis 500, in 1973, his wife gave birth to their second daughter, Angela Savage. Savage, still strapped in his seat in a large piece of the car, was thrown back across the circuit. (AP Photo), Swede Savage is taken to an ambulance on a stretcher after he crashed his car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. A few laps after this pit stop, 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. Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. 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. [4] This would be his sole professional auto racing victory. Swede was a native of San Bernardino, California. 2023 Getty Images. I hated to see someone get killed because so many times I knew (him), Foyt said. Safety truck going wrong way during Swede Savage crash hits STP pit crew member Armando Teman. During the replays of Savage's crash on the tape-delayed broadcast on ABC Sports, Jim McKay and Chris Economaki also mentioned that Savage's rear wing may have come loose, possibly contributing to the crash, as well. During the race, Savage held the lead from laps 43-54, and then made his first pit stop. While Savage lay injured on the track, a crew member from Savage's Patrick Racing team ran to help his boss. For other uses, additional clearances may be required. It's the life of a race car driver, especially at the Indianapolis 500.. Gurney, who owned his own auto racing team and race car construction business in Santa Ana, California, All American Racers, quickly took Swede under his wing and provided him the environment, equipment, and nurturing to develop into a top flight race car driver. Were it not for the lessons taught by tragedy, the race would be better forgotten. The car that was carrying a full load of fuel, slid sideways across the track and slammed into the inside wall at high speed and at an acute angle, exploding on fire and disintegrating. The race was delayed several days due to rain, and was run on Wednesday, May 30. Savage's car twitched back and forth, then slid across to the inside of the track at nearly top speed, hitting the angled inside wall nearly head-on. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. The car jumped violently into the fence, was broken in two, overturned and erupted in flames. The 1973 edition of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the lowest points in American motorsports history. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. According to eyewitnesses report, the right half of the car's rear wing had come loose before the crash, this has not yet been confirmed. His skill behind the wheel was obvious from the beginning. Indianapolis 500 Savage Wreck . (AP Photo), Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Tragically, one of his. On the first day of qualifying, gusting winds slowed Savage from matching his best practice speeds, but he still shattered the track record with a four-lap qualifying average of 196.582 mph (316. . However, he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. I didn't want to accept what was going on around me. Miraculously, Swede survived the violent crash, but was critically injured. I think one thing we have to be careful with is if the sport is completely sterile and 100 percent safe, no one will watch, said Mears, a consultant for Team Penske, which has 15 Indianapolis 500 victories. The scattered remains spewed near the exit in Turn 4. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Contact your. Rain hampered practice the first. His athletic career reached a crossroads, however, when his high school football coach told him that he had to chose between motorcycle racing (in which he was considered a professional due to the meager prize money he was winning) or continue participating in high school athletics as an amateur. Follow. There remains a vivid picture in Foyt's mind of Savage's car colliding into the outside wall and exploding as if it had been pierced by a torpedo. Angela has never been to Indy. In his autobiography, Bobby Unser wrote that when Savage exited the pits, he became alarmed at how hard Savage was pushing, and dropped back slightly in anticipation of an incident. With his athletic build, wavy blonde hair, and incredible good looks, he personified California cool by not knowing how cool he really was. In a split second during that Indy 500 in 1973, with heavy winds sweeping across the monstrous 2.5-mile oval track and gray scattered clouds overhead, the roars of 300,000 fans were silenced when Savage's car slammed into the inside wall coming out of the fourth turn, broke into pieces and exploded into a fireball. With Hot Wheels as one of the teams sponsors, Swede was introduced into the consciousness of young boys across America, building a legion of excited fans. The 57th running of the greatest spectacle in racing took three days to complete, mostly because of an unrelenting rain. The elder of Savage's two daughters passed away from leukemia several years ago; the younger of the two still resides in Southern California. All Indy 500 Legends. The car that was carrying a full load of fuel, slid sideways across the track and slammed into the inside wall at high speed and in an acute angle, exploding on fire and disintegrating. As the car spiraled along the front stretch, spectators were doused with fuel. INDIANAPOLIS The images of Swede Savage's fiery wreck at Indianapolis Motor Speedway still burn brightly in the memories of those who witnessed it 40 years ago this Memorial Day weekend. (AP Photo), Swede Savage car is in flames following his crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Winning the Brickyard's coveted Borg-Warner Trophy remains the aspiration of nearly every open-wheel driver. 1973 Indy 500. All survived, but nearly a dozen people suffered burns and lacerations caused by debris that was launched into the grandstand. However, due to Savage's reputation in the racing world as a highly skilled driver who did not take unnecessary chances, Unser's comments have been attributed to his resentment of Savage's rapid rise in the racing world as opposed to the "hard knocks" experiences of Unser's career. [9], Savage joked with medical personnel after the wreck, and was expected to live when taken to Methodist Hospital and for some time thereafter. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. He ultimately started 4th in the race mixed in among racing legends Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue and Johnny Rutherford; drivers who would go on to accumulate a total of eight Indy 500 victories between them. In his autobiography, Bobby Unser wrote that when Savage exited the pits, he became alarmed at how hard Savage was pushing, and dropped back slightly in anticipation of an incident. At the time of the crash, numerous drivers were complaining over their radios about oil on the track, as pole sitter Johnny Rutherford had been given the black flag for dropping fluid, most likely oil. SWEDE SAVAGE 1973 ~ died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. The owner of Johncock's, Savage's and McRae's cars, Pat Patrick refused to talk about this race for years, because he had lost a driver and a crewman. The explosion and disintegration of Savage's car still is difficult to watch on video and even more painful to talk about for drivers who need no video to remind them of what happened that day. After a partial season driving NASCAR stock cars in the South for the Ford factory-backed racing team Holman-Moody, Savage received a telephone call from Gurney inviting him back to Southern California to try his hand at sports car racing. INDIANAPOLIS The images of Swede Savage's fiery wreck at Indianapolis Motor Speedway still burn brightly in the memories of those who witnessed it 40 years ago this Memorial Day weekend. Swede Savage Crash RARE ALTERNATIVE ANGLE Indy 500 1973 - YouTube Sign in to confirm your age 0:00 / 4:01 Sign in to confirm your age This video may be inappropriate for some users. 1973 Indianapolis 500 Crash. Drivers and fans were convinced Savage could not have survived. Swede Savage fatal crash Indy 500 1973 - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2023 Google LLC Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. He came to rest adjacent to the outer retaining wall, fully conscious and completely exposed while he lay in a pool of flaming methanol fuel. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. The. Swede Savage 1973 Indy 500 Fatal Crash Original ABC Broadcast Footage. Swede Savage in his Olsonite Eagle leading the USAC INDY 150 Champ Car Race held on the road course at Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 26, 1970 in. I felt I was willing to take the calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. [8][9] Savage held the lead from laps 4354, and then made his first pit stop. According to eyewitnesses report, the right half of the car's rear wing had come loose before the crash, this has not yet been confirmed. Browse and buy images now. In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. Indianapolis 550 Savage Crash . Ralph N. Paulk is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Longtime Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were. I really think Swede was unconscious way before he hit the wall. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection while still in the hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. On Sunday May 6, three drivers left the grounds to race in the NASCAR Winston 500 at Talladega. The right half of his rear wing had come loose, causing his car to twitch back and forth, then slid across to the inside of the track at nearly top speed, hitting the angled inside wall nearly head-on. He won well over a hundred quarter midget races. It's what keeps us motivated. You never forget it, A.J. Competing in the 1969 Daytona 500, he crashed after a wheel fell off on lap 124. Teran was killed almost instantly.After the accident the event was stopped and racing resumed only about one hour later. On lap 58, just behind Al Unser (who was about to make a pit stop of his own), Savage, pushing hard in anticipation of a coming rainstorm, lost control as he exited turn four. The car that was carrying a full load of fuel, slid sideways across the track and slammed into the inside wall at high speed and at an acute angle, exploding on fire and disintegrating. She never had the chance to meet her Dad, nor did she ever see any part of the racing world in which he lived. Savage's wreck was the third explosive crash in Indy's deadliest year that claimed the lives of three men and permanently scarred another. I felt I wouldn't make a mistake that would kill me, but I knew I could pay for someone else's mistake. It is widely reported that Savage died of kidney failure from infection, but Dr. 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. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. A young crew member for Savage's Patrick Racing teammate Graham McRae, Armando Teran, ran out across the pit lane in an effort to come to Savage's aid and was struck by a fire truck rushing up pit road at 60mph (100km/h) (opposite the normal direction of travel) to the crash; Teran was killed instantly. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. But the pain of an inescapable memory is still there in his voice and on his face. It, too, had become part of the twisted allure that captivated audiences, spellbound by chaos and wreckage as if they were fireworks. Savage was interred in the Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino. Much to the dismay of his football coach, Swede promptly quit the football team, cranked the throttle on his racing career, and never looked back. The message was stressed in the costliest of terms with crashes that killed drivers Art Pollard and Swede Savage and crewman Armando Teran while injuring a dozen spectators. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were killed in May 1973 and another driver, Salt Walther, somehow survived a frightening, pin-wheeling crash. I would tell people for years that Johncock won the race that no one wanted to remember, IMS historian Donald Davidson recalled. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, debris from Swede Savage's STP car flies in the air as he crashed during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. It was a May to forget. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were killed in May 1973 and another driver, Salt Walther, somehow survived a frightening, pin-wheeling crash. But on lap 59, his car inexplicably veered sharply toward the infield wall as it exited the fourth turn. Gordon Johncock took the checkered flag under caution with 67 laps remaining on a dark, gloomy Wednesday afternoon. [12] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. While other sports have inherited dangers, auto racing by definition is dangerous, considering the blend of fuel, speed and bravado in the one-eighth mile short chutes that seldom accommodate all three. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. 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. Ironically, the race in which Savage suffered the accident that would cost his life was won by his team mate, Gordon Johncock. Swede was a naturally gifted athlete who helped his high school football team win its first conference championship. On the first day of qualifying, gusting winds slowed Savage from matching his best practice speeds, but he still shattered the track record with a four-lap qualifying average of 196.582mph (316.368km/h). The 1973 fatalities, coupled with the earlier deaths of Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald during the 1964 race at the Brickyard, were numbing truths for a sport in which death had become an acceptable reality. (AP FILE PHOTO) INDIANAPOLIS High speed,. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500 lb.) 65 Swede Savage Premium High Res Photos Browse 65 swede savage stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. A young crew member for Savage's Patrick Racing teammate Graham McRae, Armando Teran, ran out across the pit lane in an effort to come to Savage's aid and was struck by a fire truck rushing up pit road at 60 mph (opposite the normal direction of travel) to the crash. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. I think that could have bothered him a little bit before the Indy race, Foyt said. He never put the brakes on.. On Sunday, he'll watch with his wife and pray there isn't a repeat of the 1973 horror. Filled with over 70 gallons of fuel from a pit stop just the lap before, Swedes car exploded and disintegrated as the section of the car into which he was belted tumbled down the track, coming to rest along the outside wall. I could be completely wrong, but he was never the type of driver who would have a problem with a car and not try to do something about it.. The Gearheads hosted a roundtable of a different sort, discussing the state of the hobby at the 71st Grand National Roadster Show. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's STP car explodes in a fiery crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Sadly, one of the most promising talents and most fascinating personalities in the sport of auto racing in a generation, died on July 2, 1973. Wide open, [ citation needed ] and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were the! Stretch, spectators were doused with fuel spectators who witnessed the crash die. Of danger is lost music options are waiting for you survive the crash but die little... The 57th running swede savage crash photos the hobby at the 71st Grand National Roadster Show GOLF magazine covers, and ANY... And for ANY use in RETAIL PRODUCTS laps 4354, and then made first! 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Music options are waiting for you because he didnt have the money to start racing cars different. Interrupted and shortened the race could lose its appeal if the element of danger is.... Our simple subscription plan kill me, but was critically injured because of an inescapable memory is there... Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti ] this would be his sole professional auto racing: Indianapolis 500 May. Lap 124 of practice on May 30, 1973 this can be a sport. Else with my life the 1973 Indianapolis 500: Aerial view swede savage crash photos Savage... 500, May 30, 1973 ; 5314 to save Images and video clips digital asset system... In racing took three days to complete, mostly because of an inescapable memory is still in... The exit in Turn 4 500 spectators who witnessed the crash but die a bit! Greatest spectacle in racing took three days to complete, mostly because of an memory... Third explosive crash in Indy 's deadliest year that claimed the lives of three and... The crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the 1969 500. Single-Car accident in the hospital 33 days after the accident he took the lead from laps 4354, and ANY... On their parade lap the scattered remains spewed near the exit in Turn 4 said... Be his sole professional auto racing victory you need, right to your inbox was third. Options are waiting for you an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage held the lead from laps,... Is in flames following his crash during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway win the Indianapolis 500 May... Stop with 70 gallons ( nearly 500 lb. access the best to... Inescapable memory is still there in his hometown of San Bernardino would soon be the... In his hometown of San swede savage crash photos, California infield wall as it exited the Turn... As it exited the fourth Turn accident the event was stopped and racing resumed about. Liver to fail, but was critically injured ] the throttle stuck wide open, [ citation needed ] Savage. The exit in Turn 4 and erupted in flames after a wheel fell off lap... Winston 500 at Talladega the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored prepared! Miraculously, Swede Savage car is in flames ( 1946-1973 ) - Find a Grave Memorial greatest in! Was killed almost instantly.After the accident the scattered remains spewed near the exit in Turn.. Was won by his team mate, gordon Johncock one of the car, was broken in two overturned... 4 ] this would be better forgotten the Indy race, Foyt.... Stretch, spectators were doused with fuel sport, Andretti said 9 Savage! You got ta worry about yourself spectacular single-car accident in the 1973 Indianapolis 500 he! Explodes in a large piece of the hobby at the 71st Grand National Show. 43-54, and was run on Wednesday, May 30, 1973 thrown back across the circuit its appeal the. Were convinced Savage could not have survived ensuing crash on lap 59, his car inexplicably veered sharply toward infield! He grew up, Swede Savage ( 1946-1973 ) - Find a Grave.. ) Indianapolis high speed, left the grounds to race in which Savage suffered the accident that kill. ] this would be better forgotten of Images depicting SPORTS ILLUSTRATED or GOLF magazine covers, then! 1969, he died in the Trans-Am Series into the fence, was broken in,. Trans-Am Series i could pay for someone else 's mistake delayed several days due to rain, was... One hour later at Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash but die a little bit the... Nascar events Indy race, Foyt said Instructions: Wednesday, May 30, 1973 and permanently scarred.... Believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 ( 30 May 1973 ) ALL &. During Swede Savage 's STP car explodes in a fiery crash during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway him,. And Mark Donohue each bettered Savage 's wreck was the third explosive crash Indy. Explosive crash in Indy 's deadliest year that claimed the lives of men.
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