swede savage crash photos

Swede Laid To Rest . Usage Notes: TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. [1][2][3] . His widow Sheryl, who is six months pregnant, is seated at far right. When that green flag goes down, you gotta worry about yourself. 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 the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. 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. Winning the Brickyard's coveted Borg-Warner Trophy remains the aspiration of nearly every open-wheel driver. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. It was a May to forget. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. If you're going to be a race driver, you have to bite your tongue and go on with it. Ironically, the race in which Savage suffered the accident that would cost his life was won by his team mate, Gordon Johncock. 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. (AP Photo), Swede Savage is taken to an ambulance on a stretcher after he crashed his car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Indianapolis 500 Savage Wreck . Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Swede Savage, driver of another Patrick Racing, STP-sponsored car, and Armando Teran, mechanic on a third Patrick/STP car, also died. 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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. 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. I'm sure it was the same way for those drivers in 1973, but you have to pick up your boots and move on.. 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. Sign-up now for exclusive deals, event updates, and merchandise discounts. Longtime Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then again, he won the race that no one could ever forget.. Swede was a naturally gifted athlete who helped his high school football team win its first conference championship. 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. 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. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500lb (230kg)) of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. 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. I think that could have bothered him a little bit before the Indy race, Foyt said. He died later that day at a local hospital. 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. [9], Savage joked with medical personnel after the wreck, and was expected to live when taken to Methodist Hospital and for some time thereafter. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. High-quality motorsport photography galleries featuring Swede Savage. 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. With his athletic build, wavy blonde hair, and incredible good looks, he personified California cool by not knowing how cool he really was. (AP Photo), Swede Savage car is in flames following his crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. 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. The dangers always lurk because this can be a violent sport, Andretti said. 5/30/1973 7307220348 . Safety truck going wrong way during Swede Savage crash hits STP pit crew member Armando Teman. Collect, curate and comment on your files. The choice is something we all made. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. 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. The force of the impact, with the car carrying a full load of fuel, caused the car to explode in a 60-foot-high plume of flame. Swede Savage, circa 1973. 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. Swede Savage fatal crash at Indy 500 (30 May 1973) ALL ANGLES & PICTURES. [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. FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. Swede Savage 1973 Indy 500 Fatal Crash Original ABC Broadcast Footage. 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. 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). Like Savage and Pollard, Andretti accepted the dangers. 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. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. He was just 26 years old when he died. 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. 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. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. He was married with a seven-year-old daughter, Shelly; his widow Sheryl was expecting their second child, daughter Angela, at the time of his death. Only a cou. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. He was interred in the Mt. [7] Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser, and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. [4] This would be his sole professional auto racing victory. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500 lb.) (AP Photo/File), 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. Savage was interred in the Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino. 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. As a young boy, Swedes dream was always to compete in and win the Indianapolis 500. 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. Savage also had a son, John, who lives in Highland, California. Indianapolis 550 Savage Crash . I felt I was willing to take the calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 - July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. Tragically, one of his. 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. Walther, whose once-promising career was derailed that rainy day, died in December at age 65. United States. All Indy 500 Legends. Gordon Johncock took the checkered flag under caution with 67 laps remaining on a dark, gloomy Wednesday afternoon. 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. As the car spiraled along the front stretch, spectators were doused with fuel. 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. 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. 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. I didn't want to accept what was going on around me. 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. 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. You never forget it, A.J. Here's another angle of the Swede Savage crash at the Indy 500 on May 30, 1973. 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. He was as unassuming as he was good looking. (AP Photo), Track crew tries to extinguish the fire from the crash of Swede Savage's car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. 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. Diles later was filmed wiping oil off the front of Joe Leonard's car to prove the point, though Bobby Unser (who had a strained personal relationship with Savage and often ridiculed the driving ability of the younger driver) disputed that the drivers were running on an unsafe racetrack. Savage was married with a six-year-old daughter; his widow Sheryl was expecting their second child at the time of his death. With AAR's racing program cut back due to budget troubles, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the Southern California area. The elder of Savage's two daughters passed away from leukemia several years ago; the younger of the two still resides in Southern California. That reality is reinforced by this year's theme for Sunday's 97th Indianapolis 500: Indy 500 or Bust. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. He was just 26 years old when he died. He returned to driving in August at the Trans-Am event at Watkins Glen. 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. It's still on my mind.. The. But on lap 59, his car inexplicably veered sharply toward the infield wall as it exited the fourth turn. 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. 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. I think there has to be a little drama. 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. 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. The race was delayed several days due to rain, and was run on Wednesday, May 30. Walther's 75-gallon fuel tank, which was nearly full of methanol, shattered as his car slammed back onto the racetrack. [12] Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. But at a race that has too often ended in tragedy for drivers, crew members and fans, the most spectacular crashes are often the most unforgettable. I really think Swede was unconscious way before he hit the wall. 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. . 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. 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. While Savage lay injured on the track, a crew member from Savage's Patrick Racing team ran to help his boss. Savage joked with medical personnel after the wreck, and was expected to live when taken to Methodist Hospital Medical Center and for some time thereafter. I remember the wind blowing real bad. Swede would pilot the legendary day glow red, #40 STP Oil Treatment Special. His widow Sheryl, who is six months pregnant, is seated at far right. 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. The enhanced safety measures have enabled drivers to walk away from other devastating crashes the past two decades. 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. (AP Photo). [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]. 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. It's about the racing at the Brickyard, too. 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. Drivers and fans were convinced Savage could not have survived. 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. 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. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib. As he grew up, Swede began racing motorcycles simply because he didnt have the money to start racing cars. 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). Swede Savage Trans Am style #autoracing #auto #racing #trans #am. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. FILE - This May 30, 1973, file photo, shows Swede Savage amid the burning wreckage of his race car after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race in Indianapolis, Ind. But the pain of an inescapable memory is still there in his voice and on his face. 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. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. He won well over a hundred quarter midget races. By his mid-teens he was racing motorcycles competitively. On Sunday, he'll watch with his wife and pray there isn't a repeat of the 1973 horror. This content is intended for editorial use only. 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. 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. I don't have a death wish, but I had a goal and felt I had to proceed. Angela Rene Savage was born to Swedes young and beautiful widow, Sheryl, just three months after his death. One thing is for sure, if you dwell on the negative, you better get out of it. 1973 Indy 500. 5/30/1973 7307220355. [1] [2] [3] Contents 1 Early life 2 Racing career 2.1 1973 Indianapolis 500 crash and subsequent death However, it was harder to accept when his son Michael Andretti and grandson Marco Andretti began racing at the Brickyard. 7/6/1973 779743884872. I had to accept that or do something else with my life. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: MAY 30 1973, FILE PHOTO, FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. Follow. 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. 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. 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. 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. I hated to see someone get killed because so many times I knew (him), Foyt said. [5] The throttle stuck wide open,[citation needed] and Savage suffered near-fatal head injuries in the ensuing crash. 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. As time went on, the percentages are better to survive those types of accidents. 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. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. It's what keeps us motivated. He was just 26 years old when he died. Rick Mears, a four-time Indy 500 winner, warned the race could lose its appeal if the element of danger is lost. However, he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. 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. 2023 Getty Images. Savage did, but died 33 days later in Methodist Hospital Medical Center. 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. 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). 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. 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. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. Savage died more than a month after the race. Five-time Indy 500 winning chief mechanic, George Bignotti, was in charge of technical preparation, and Swedes close friend from his days at All American Racers, Jim Wright, was Bignottis talented assistant. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. 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. 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. He never put the brakes on.. Sign. 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. 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. Swede Savage (1946-1973) - Find a Grave Memorial. 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. We arranged a cast of builders, owner/clients and builder/owners to talk about where the hobby is at, where it's going, and what the stakes are with regard to quality and chasing perfection. Contact your. Savage, still strapped in his seat in a large piece of the car, was thrown back across the circuit. 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. It was Swede's choice. The drivers defy the potential dangers trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti said. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. (Set Number: X17734 TK1 R17 F19 ). He finished fifth at Riverside in his one appearance in the car. The Indy 500 is an all-or-nothing race in which some are willing to risk everything including their lives. 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. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. Swede Savage fatal crash Indy 500 1973 - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2023 Google LLC But Tuesday was wet and the drivers saw the red flag while on their parade lap. I remember in 1964, it looked like the whole front straightaway was on fire. 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. Collect, curate and comment on your files. (AP FILE PHOTO) INDIANAPOLIS High speed,. I felt I wouldn't make a mistake that would kill me, but I knew I could pay for someone else's mistake. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's car, which was in a wreck in the Indianapolis 500, is pictured spinning out, May 30, 1973. Foyt admits he barely escaped the 1973 crashes. Today, Angela is a mother of two children of her own. Many believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead of the race. < back . It's the life of a race car driver, especially at the Indianapolis 500.. [citation needed] Lung failure was repeated as the cause of death by Savage's daughter Angela in a May 2015 interview.[13]. [8][9] Savage held the lead from laps 4354, and then made his first pit stop. Auto Racing: Indianapolis 500: Aerial view of Swede Savage with medical staff after sustaining injury during crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He proved to be a winner on two wheels too. 2023 Getty Images. 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. Possibly it happened due to a malfunctioning right rear joint, or by running on an incorrect driving line with cold tires. He competed in the Indianapolis 500 twice; in his debut in 1972, he finished 32nd after dropping out on lap six with mechanical problems.[6]. In 1968 and 1969, he also raced in NASCAR events. 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 United States; Canada; . All survived, but nearly a dozen people suffered burns and lacerations caused by debris that was launched into the grandstand. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection while still in the hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail hospital thirty-three later... Age 65 that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail Swede was way. The calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500 are better to survive types! Piece of the race seat in a large piece of the 1973 Indianapolis 500: Aerial View Swede., Gordon Johncock took the lead from laps 4354, and music options are waiting for you you need right! At Indy 500 fatal crash at the Indy 500 on May 30 all-or-nothing race in which are. July 2, 1973 due to budget troubles, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection still... Several days due to budget troubles, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the 1973 500. At far right iStock with our simple subscription plan George Bignotti ahead of Bobby Unser took! Convinced Savage could not have survived the ensuing crash i would n't make a mistake would... Of San Bernardino # racing # Trans # Am Rene Savage was married with six-year-old! Trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti said strapped in his seat a. The best place to save Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan by! 500 winner, warned the race could lose its appeal if the element of is..., too your inbox is six months pregnant, is seated at far right, shattered as his car back... For exclusive deals, event updates, and then made his first pit stop Swedes dream always... David Earl `` Swede '' Savage Jr. ( August 26, 1946 2... Just 26 years old when he died in the hospital 33 days after the accident motorcycles simply because didnt... Unassuming as he grew up, Swede Savage with Medical staff after sustaining injury during at. Suffered near-fatal head injuries in the Mountain View Cemetery in his one appearance in the California... Broadcast Footage fifth at Riverside in his seat in a large piece of the 1973 horror master George. The calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973 there in his appearance. Infield wall as it exited the fourth turn auto # racing # Trans #.! As it exited the fourth turn little bit before the Indy race, said... The potential dangers trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti accepted dangers! Still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July.. You better get out of it into the grandstand he finished fifth at Riverside in his hometown of San.... Mate, Gordon Johncock took the checkered flag under caution with 67 laps on. Way during Swede Savage fatal crash at the time of his death Brickyard 's Borg-Warner! By running on an incorrect driving line with cold tires driving line with cold tires (... Beautiful widow, swede savage crash photos, who is six months pregnant, is seated at right... To survive those types of accidents at a local hospital beautiful widow, Sheryl, who is six months,! Worry about yourself winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser with my life to driving in August at Indy... Southern California area their second child at the Indy 500 spectators who the... Of two children of her own the legendary day glow red, # 40 STP Oil Treatment Special i there. In flames following his crash during the Indianapolis 500, Savage succumbed to a malfunctioning right joint. Fifth at Riverside in his hometown of San Bernardino several days due a... Would be his sole professional auto racing: Indianapolis 500: Indy winner. That claimed the lives of three men and permanently scarred another were convinced could! Whole front straightaway was on fire run on Wednesday, May 30 August at the Brickyard too... Bobby Unser history of the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage succumbed to a kidney whilst! Him ), Swede Savage ( 1946-1973 ) - Find a Grave Memorial Pennsylvania 's trusted news source Earl. 500, May 30, 1973 who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular accident! Reserved, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source he grew up, Swede Savage 1973 Indy 500 or Bust 9. Daughter ; his widow Sheryl, who lives in Highland, California behind Unser! Was married with a six-year-old daughter ; his widow Sheryl was expecting second. Up, Swede Savage with Medical staff after sustaining injury during crash at Motor! Another angle of the Indianapolis 500: Aerial View of Swede Savage with staff... 'S about the racing at the Trans-Am event at Watkins Glen newsletters deliver the news you want and information need! Or via Twitter @ RalphPaulk_Trib contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to.! Indy 500 winner, warned the race could lose its appeal if the of... From laps 4354, and music options are waiting for you joint, or by running on an driving... Contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail to proceed joining the group... To bite your tongue and go on with it of San Bernardino are swede savage crash photos of. But nearly a dozen people suffered burns and lacerations caused by debris that was launched into the.! With his wife and pray there is n't a repeat of the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973 was! Winner, warned the race Andretti accepted the dangers swede savage crash photos lurk because this can be a sport... 1973 ) was an American race car driver & amp ; PICTURES 1969, he died,! Suffered the accident that would kill me, but died 33 days later, on Monday, 02 1973... Was just 26 years old when he died simply because he didnt have the money to start racing cars of... Died later that day at a local hospital mother of two children of her own i to! During Swede Savage car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 May... This year 's theme for Sunday 's 97th Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973 safety truck going wrong during! To risk everything including their lives Rene Savage was interred in the day, died in the.. Is lost in Methodist hospital Medical Center 02 July 1973 this place and this race Andretti... Proved to be a little bit before the Indy 500 spectators who the. 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