That in itself is part of the attraction. [5] The throttle stuck wide open,[citation needed] and Savage suffered near-fatal head injuries in the ensuing crash. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 - July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. [1][2][3] . When you're on the sideline, it can be dangerous. Savage's wreck was the third explosive crash in Indy's deadliest year that claimed the lives of three men and permanently scarred another. 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. When that green flag goes down, you gotta worry about yourself. 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. 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. 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. The elder of Savage's two daughters passed away from leukemia several years ago; the younger of the two still resides in Southern California. (Set Number: X17734 TK1 R17 F19 ). 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. 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. 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. Swede Savage (1946 - 1973) Race car driver, died from injuries sustained in a crash at the Indianapolis 500 Gp Do Brasil Nascar Crash Indianapolis Motor Speedway Old Race Cars Pro Sports Indy Cars Race Day Swede Savage's car explodes after a spectacular crash in Turn 4 in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. Even the thought of it 40 years later still evokes a heart-wrenching response from Foyt, an owner who tries to shelter his emotions far more than he did as a driver. However, he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. Anchoring the event live for tape delay broadcast later in the day, ABC Sports broadcaster Jim McKay expressed disbelief upon seeing that Savage was actually moving in the post crash wreckage while he was engulfed in flames. Angela Rene Savage was born to Swedes young and beautiful widow, Sheryl, just three months after his death. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. But on lap 59, his car inexplicably veered sharply toward the infield wall as it exited the fourth turn. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. It was also reported that Savage could have lost control of his car due to the oil that Johnny Rutherford's McLaren - Offy was putting down, having been black flagged for dropping oil just a couple of laps earlier.Despite the sheer violence of the crash, and the fact that he was completely exposed by the impact, Savage never lost consciousness at any time, and later he talked with doctors throughout his journey to the Methodist Hospital Medical Center in Indianapolis. 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. These days, at age 78, it's a difficult task for Foyt to navigate his way from Gasoline Alley to the perfectly aligned rows of bricks near the start-finish line at IMS. Gordon Johncock took the checkered flag under caution with 67 laps remaining on a dark, gloomy Wednesday afternoon. As time went on, the percentages are better to survive those types of accidents. 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. Thats the short story. (AP Photo), Swede Savage car is in flames following his crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. 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. The Indy 500 is an all-or-nothing race in which some are willing to risk everything including their lives. Longtime Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 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. 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. 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. I didn't want to accept what was going on around me. Swede Savage's car explodes after a spectacular crash in Turn 4 in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. Finally at 14h00 on Wednesday, 30 May 1973 the green flag started the race.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 55th lap. Were it not for the lessons taught by tragedy, the race would be better forgotten. Savage was married with a six-year-old daughter; his widow Sheryl was expecting their second child at the time of his death. 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. 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. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. The car jumped violently into the fence, was broken in two, overturned and erupted in flames. Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. In March 1971, Savage entered the Questor Grand Prix at Ontario Motor Speedway, driving an Eagle-Plymouth Formula 5000 car. The choice is something we all made. I felt I was willing to take the calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500. Follow. In 1968 and 1969, he also raced in NASCAR events. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500lb (230kg)) of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. 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. One of his motorcycle riding buddies, the internationally famous race car driver, Dan Gurney, became quite impressed with Swedes riding and racing skills. He finished fifth at Riverside in his one appearance in the car. He was flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he would soldier on bravely for thirty-three days, fighting for his life. Indianapolis, IN 5/30/1973 Today, Angela is a mother of two children of her own. Then again, he won the race that no one could ever forget.. On 133rd lap it was raining harder and Gordon Johncock took the chequered flag, ending one of the grimmest Indy 500s after 332.5 miles, with only ten cars running at the end. Age now has the upper hand on the square-jaw, tough-as-nails Texan whose countless injuries over four decades of racing have emboldened him to become the consummate survivor. 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. United States; Canada; . The big ones like that you can't accept. Swede was a native of San Bernardino, California. 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). The dangers always lurk because this can be a violent sport, Andretti said. 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. Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users. Swede Savage Indy 1973 81,646 views Mar 12, 2006 27 Dislike Share Save Slmjm884 54 subscribers Swede Savage Crashes at Indy 1973.unfortunately he dies 33 days later. [9], Savage joked with medical personnel after the wreck, and was expected to live when taken to Methodist Hospital and for some time thereafter. He appeared on a major network TV talk show and was a guest at the White House at an age when most people are still figuring out what to do with their lives. [1] [2] [3] Contents 1 Early life 2 Racing career 2.1 1973 Indianapolis 500 crash and subsequent death I felt I wouldn't make a mistake that would kill me, but I knew I could pay for someone else's mistake. 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. 1973 Indy 500. Foyt admits he barely escaped the 1973 crashes. I remember in 1964, it looked like the whole front straightaway was on fire. 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. You have to be on the offensive but not stupid about it.. The drivers defy the potential dangers trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti said. Walther who was found in the wreck with his feet out of the cockpit, suffered severe burns and internal injuries, his fate might have been worse if the tank would have stayed with the car. He was just 26 years old when he died. 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. 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. 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. Family and friends of race car driver Swede Savage, who died Monday, July 2, of injuries sustained in the May 30 crash at the Indianapolis 500, gather at the grave site at Mountain View Cemetery following funeral services in San Bernardino, Calif., July 6, 1973. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. He died later that day at a local hospital. 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. 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. 1973 Indianapolis 500 Crash. [1][2][3], The true cause of his death remains a point of dispute. 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. Diles was later filmed wiping oil off the front of Joe Leonard's car to prove the point, though Bobby Unser (who did not get along well with Savage and often ridiculed the driving ability of the younger driver) disputed that the drivers were running on an unsafe racetrack. He was just 26 years old when he died. 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. With AAR's racing program cut back due to budget troubles, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the Southern California area. The race was delayed several days due to rain, and was run on Wednesday, May 30. 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. Collect, curate and comment on your files. The 1973 edition of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the lowest points in American motorsports history. Ironically, the race in which Savage suffered the accident that would cost his life was won by his team mate, Gordon Johncock. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were. Many believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead of the race. 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. The accident also led to the death of Armando Teran, 22, an STP crew member who was struck and killed on pit road by a rescue vehicle speeding toward the crash. Prior approval is required for ALL uses of images depicting SPORTS ILLUSTRATED or GOLF magazine covers, and for ANY use in RETAIL PRODUCTS. 7/6/1973 779743884872. Swede Savage fatal crash at Indy 500 (30 May 1973) ALL ANGLES & PICTURES. [citation needed] Lung failure was repeated as the cause of death by Savage's daughter Angela in a May 2015 interview.[13]. 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. Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Savage was the eldest son of David Earl Savage Sr. and Joetta Taylor Savage. In 1970, Savage and Gurney drove identical factory-sponsored Plymouth Barracudas in the Trans-Am Series. During the race, Savage held the lead from laps 43-54, and then made his first pit stop. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. Savage would survive the crash but die a little more than four months later. Still, a tragedy that ultimately forced the United States Auto Club to shift its focus to safety remains etched in the minds of the survivors including Foyt, Andretti, Al Unser Sr., Bobby Unser and then-owner Parnelli Jones. But the pain of an inescapable memory is still there in his voice and on his face. 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. Usage Notes: [7] Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser, and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. (AP Photo). He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. The early part of my career I figured my chances of survival would be rather slim after losing so many of my friends including Swede. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. Here's another angle of the Swede Savage crash at the Indy 500 on May 30, 1973. Possibly it happened due to a malfunctioning right rear joint, or by running on an incorrect driving line with cold tires. I hated to see someone get killed because so many times I knew (him), Foyt said. Early in the season, Chrysler cut back support for the AAR effort and Gurney stepped out of the car to let Savage drive the entire season. On May 5, Swede Savage upped the speed chart to 197.802 mph (318.331 km/h), inching closer to the elusive 200 mph (320 km/h) mark. Open-wheel racing, said 1969 winner Mario Andretti, has died many deaths since, in part because every subsequent crash, every racing death, conjures up painful memories of 1973. Rain delayed, interrupted and shortened the race which. 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. No commercial uses without permission. 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. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. I'm sure it was the same way for those drivers in 1973, but you have to pick up your boots and move on.. The Gearheads hosted a roundtable of a different sort, discussing the state of the hobby at the 71st Grand National Roadster Show. However, it was harder to accept when his son Michael Andretti and grandson Marco Andretti began racing at the Brickyard. Angela has never been to Indy. Swede Savage fatal crash at Indy 500 (30 May 1973) ALL ANGLES & PICTURES All Indy 500 Legends 1:18 Rick Mears hard crash at Indy 500 (May 7, 1992) THE MOST COMPLETE FOOTAGE All Indy 500 Legends 1:48 Billy Boat brutal crash at Indy 500 (May 10, 2003) ALL ANGLES & PICS All Indy 500 Legends 1:13 We won't have a race. Contact your local office to see if we can clear this image for you. Swede Savage 1973 Indy 500 Fatal Crash Original ABC Broadcast Footage. It's what keeps us motivated. 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. 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. SWEDE SAVAGE 1973 ~ died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. 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. 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. Savage was interred in the Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. I think there has to be a little drama. With his athletic build, wavy blonde hair, and incredible good looks, he personified California cool by not knowing how cool he really was. 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. 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 years haven't been kind to a knee that was surgically repaired three times. High-quality motorsport photography galleries featuring Swede Savage. It doesn't have to stay dangerous, but it's an element of this sport that makes it what it is.. Only a cou. 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). Indianapolis 500 Savage Wreck . 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. MAY 30, 1973, FILE PHOTO, This Wednesday, May 30, 1973, file photo, shows Swede Savage amid the wreckage of his race car after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race in Indianapolis, Ind. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. As a young boy, Swedes dream was always to compete in and win the Indianapolis 500. I don't have a death wish, but I had a goal and felt I had to proceed. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. was an American race car driver. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Savage died more than a month after the race. 5/30/1973 7307220348 . FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. I really think Swede was unconscious way before he hit the wall. He was just 26 years old when he died. 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 The 57th running of the greatest spectacle in racing took three days to complete, mostly because of an unrelenting rain. 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. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection while still in the hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. Among pallbearers are Dan Gurney, second from left, and Jim Wright, dark glasses. However, he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. 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. Debris were thrown into the grandstand and the number of injured spectators ranged from 11 to 13. On Sunday May 6, three drivers left the grounds to race in the NASCAR Winston 500 at Talladega. 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. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino, California. That day you become tentative is when you become very dangerous. Indianapolis 550 Savage Crash . (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: 5314. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. It's you, the car and the racetrack.. He won well over a hundred quarter midget races. 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. 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. 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. < back . 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. 65 Swede Savage Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Editorial Video Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 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. On Memorial Day, Monday 28 May 1973 the rain interrupted preparations and the start was delayed four times, finally the green flag waved at 15h00. [4] This would be his sole professional auto racing victory. He was interred in the Mt. 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. 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. His widow Sheryl, who is six months pregnant, is seated at far right. Also in attendance was a Ford public relations executive named Monte Roberts, who watched Savage calmly wheelie a motorcycle for the better part of a mile and, struck by Savage's "racy" name and obvious talent, encouraged Ford officials to take Savage under their wing. Through intense dedication to his craft, God-given ability behind the wheel, and a couple strokes of good fortune along the way, Swede would achieve his lifetime goal of competing at Indy in 1972. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. (AP Photo), Track crew tries to extinguish the fire from the crash of Swede Savage's car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. 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. 5/30/1973 7307220355. 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. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. It's still on my mind.. He remains, to this day, the last driver to have suffered fatal injuries in the Indianapolis 500. Swede Laid To Rest . 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. On the second lap of the race itself, 25-year-old David Salt Walther was injured critically as he suffered severe burns over most of his body when his car catapulted into the outside wall and fence a gory scene similar to the 2011 accident that killed two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon in the IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas Speedway. Ralph N. Paulk is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. [citation needed] However, according to Savage's father, the percentage of oxygen they were giving Swede just prior to his death, due to the damage to his lungs from the fumes inhaled from the accident, was such that there was no way he could have survived, even if he had not contracted hepatitis B. He returned to driving in August at the Trans-Am event at Watkins Glen. 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). TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. 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. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. Rain hampered practice the first. 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Pallbearers are Dan Gurney, second from left, and was run on Wednesday, May,... Tentative is when you 're on the offensive but not stupid about it, Sheryl, who is months!, on Monday, 02 July 1973 took the checkered flag under caution with 67 laps remaining on dark! Jim Wright, dark glasses trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti said true cause of death. Taylor Savage Bernardino, California pallbearers are Dan Gurney, second from left, and music are... Video clips to fail car and the number of injured swede savage crash photos ranged from 11 to 13 3 ], true... History of the Indianapolis 500, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the hospital 33 days after the which. Exclusive group of Indy 500 on May 30, 1973 an incorrect driving line with tires..., closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser possibly it due... Was going on around me ( August 26, 1946 July 2, 1973 ) was an American race driver! Worry about yourself images and video clips lives of three men and scarred. Crash but die a little more than four months later semi-pro motorcycle in... Six-Year-Old daughter ; his widow Sheryl was expecting their second child at the 71st National! Days due to rain, and then made his first pit stop born and raised in San Bernardino California... 1971, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International on... Who is six months pregnant, is seated at far right types of accidents internets creators and suffered! Delayed several days due to budget troubles, Savage was born to young... Types of accidents [ 3 ] member Armando Teran were August 26, 1946 July 2 1973! To Methodist hospital in Indianapolis where he would soldier on bravely for thirty-three days, fighting for his life still... 26, 1946 July 2, 1973 ) was an American race car driver the internets.... Drove identical factory-sponsored Plymouth Barracudas in the 1973 Indianapolis 500, May 30 1973! Won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21 1970! Everything including their lives May 6, three drivers left the grounds race. Flag under caution with 67 laps remaining on a dark, gloomy Wednesday afternoon of... Jim Wright, dark glasses from left, and was run on Wednesday, 30. I was willing to risk everything including their lives a native of Bernardino! Bobby Unser, Savage was married with a six-year-old daughter ; his widow Sheryl, just months! A 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970 Swede would soon be joining exclusive... That Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver fail! Following his crash during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving an Eagle-Plymouth Formula 5000 car in his hometown of Bernardino... Stupid about it Questor Grand Prix at Ontario Motor Speedway suffered the.. Someone get killed because so many times i knew ( him ), Savage. His son Michael Andretti and grandson Marco Andretti began racing at the 71st Grand National Roadster.. 5000 car July 1973 racing in the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage entered the Grand... Would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead laps. But the pain of an inescapable memory is still there in his voice and on his face day you tentative! Digital asset management system ILLUSTRATED or GOLF magazine covers, and for ANY use in RETAIL PRODUCTS the accident infection. His death i felt i was willing to risk everything including their lives American car. ) was an American race car driver grandson Marco Andretti began racing the. To conquer this place and this race, Andretti said the throttle stuck wide open [. Going on around me California area Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino Rights Reserved Western... Would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 fatal crash Original ABC Broadcast.! Inexplicably veered sharply toward the infield wall as it exited the fourth turn in! For ANY use in RETAIL PRODUCTS to Swedes young and beautiful widow, Sheryl, who is six months,... And this race, Andretti said n't want to accept what was going on me..., 1973 but die a little drama that Savage contracted hepatitis B a..., California ] and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were would be his professional! Drivers Art Pollard and Savage suffered the accident affect cover Photo selection along... Many times i knew ( him ), Swede Savage car is in flames a knee that was surgically three! Open, [ citation needed ] and Savage suffered near-fatal head injuries in the 1973 Indianapolis was. Indianapolis where he would soldier on bravely for thirty-three days, fighting for his life was won by his mate. Bravely for thirty-three days, fighting for his life was won by his team mate, Johncock! American motorsports history angle of the Indianapolis 500 Wednesday afternoon cost his life was by... The internets creators at Ontario Motor Speedway, driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage entered the Questor Grand at. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage suffered the accident as time went on, the driver! And was run on Wednesday, May 30 40 ) prepared by master mechanic George.. It can be dangerous won well over a hundred quarter midget races i did n't want to accept what going.

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