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. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: 5314. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. Whenever we would lose a racer, it was as if you would lose a piece of yourself, said Jones, 79, the 1963 Indy 500 winner who, along with Bobby Unser, sorted through the causes of the crash during last weekend's time trials. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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 felt I was willing to take the calculated risk to win the Indianapolis 500. Savage did, but died 33 days later in Methodist Hospital Medical Center. 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. 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. Savage died more than a month after the race. 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. Foyt, a four-time Indy 500 winner, said softly. He never put the brakes on.. 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. Among pallbearers are Dan Gurney, second from left, and Jim Wright, dark glasses. (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. 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. During the race, Savage held the lead from laps 43-54, and then made his first pit stop. 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. 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. One of his motorcycle riding buddies, the internationally famous race car driver, Dan Gurney, became quite impressed with Swedes riding and racing skills. Swede Savage, circa 1973. 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. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. He remains, to this day, the last driver to have suffered fatal injuries in the Indianapolis 500. 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. (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. 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. 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 doesn't have to stay dangerous, but it's an element of this sport that makes it what it is.. On Sunday May 6, three drivers left the grounds to race in the NASCAR Winston 500 at Talladega. Tragically, one of his. 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. Contact your local office to see if we can clear this image for you. He was flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he would soldier on bravely for thirty-three days, fighting for his life. 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 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.. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. 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. 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. 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 big ones like that you can't accept. Possibly it happened due to a malfunctioning right rear joint, or by running on an incorrect driving line with cold tyres. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 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. 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. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. No commercial uses without permission. The Indy 500 is an all-or-nothing race in which some are willing to risk everything including their lives. But today, Swedes legacy lives on, perpetuated in recent years by the public emergence of the daughter he never knew. That day you become tentative is when you become very dangerous. 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 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. 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. 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. (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. 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). 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. In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. 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. 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. 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. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. Debris were thrown into the grandstand and the number of injured spectators ranged from 11 to 13. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. The 57th running of the greatest spectacle in racing took three days to complete, mostly because of an unrelenting rain. With AAR's racing program cut back due to budget troubles, Savage resumed semi-pro motorcycle racing in the Southern California area. 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. 5/30/1973 7307220348 . 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. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were. He died later that day at a local hospital. This web site exists thanks largely to Angelas love for her father and her desire to keep his legacy alive; not only for those who remember him, but also for a new generation of race fans who, for the first time, are discovering the man behind one of the most captivating racing names and personas in the sports history. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. He finished fifth at Riverside in his one appearance in the car. For other uses, additional clearances may be required. 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]. He rejoined in second place, closely behind Al Unser and just ahead of Bobby Unser. Swede was a naturally gifted athlete who helped his high school football team win its first conference championship. Longtime Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. [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. RARE ALTERNATIVE ANGLE of Savage's crash and aftermath happened during Indy 500 1973***DESCRIPTION***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 refuelling and new tyres on the 55th lap. This content is intended for editorial use only. 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. He came off (turn) four and never tried to correct (the car). 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. Possibly it happened due to a malfunctioning right rear joint, or by running on an incorrect driving line with cold tires. I had to accept that or do something else with my life. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. 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. When I watch my son and grandson, I appreciate all my wife went through all those years, said Andretti, 73. 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. During pole qualifying earlier that month, driver Art Pollard was killed in a horrific crash when his car topped 191 mph, then struck the outside wall, burst into flames, spun into the infield and rolled several times. As time went on, the percentages are better to survive those types of accidents. 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 1973 ~ died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. But the complete Swede Savage story is so much more. Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. 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. High-quality motorsport photography galleries featuring Swede Savage. 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. 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. [9], Savage joked with medical personnel after the wreck, and was expected to live when taken to Methodist Hospital and for some time thereafter. 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. Sign-up now for exclusive deals, event updates, and merchandise discounts. The scattered remains spewed near the exit in Turn 4. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. I didn't want to accept what was going on around me. Savage was interred in the Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino. The 1973 edition of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the lowest points in American motorsports history. David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. was an American race car driver. He was just 26 years old when he died. The choice is something we all made. The enhanced safety measures have enabled drivers to walk away from other devastating crashes the past two decades. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. On Sunday, he'll watch with his wife and pray there isn't a repeat of the 1973 horror. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Indianapolis 500 Savage Wreck . He began Soap Box Derby racing at the age of five, moved up to racing quarter midget cars, then at age twelve to Go-Kart racing. [4] This would be his sole professional auto racing victory. Competing in the 1969 Daytona 500, he crashed after a wheel fell off on lap 124. Savage emerged from his stop with 70 gallons (nearly 500lb (230kg)) of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. Today, Angela is a mother of two children of her own. (AP Photo). 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 was married with a six-year-old daughter; his widow Sheryl was expecting their second child at the time of his death. Swede Savage (1946-1973) - Find a Grave Memorial. Swede was a native of San Bernardino, California. Savage also had a son, John, who lives in Highland, California. Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. By his mid-teens he was racing motorcycles competitively. As he grew up, Swede began racing motorcycles simply because he didnt have the money to start racing cars. Check out the vast collections of swede savage pictures from AP Images. The elder of Savage's two daughters passed away from leukemia several years ago; the younger of the two still resides in Southern California. [7] Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser, and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. Rain delayed, interrupted and shortened the race which. 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. [1][2][3] . 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. 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. 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. It, too, had become part of the twisted allure that captivated audiences, spellbound by chaos and wreckage as if they were fireworks. 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. Many believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead of the race. Rain hampered practice the first. The. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1973; 5314. Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Savage was the eldest son of David Earl Savage Sr. and Joetta Taylor Savage. (AP Photo), Track crew tries to extinguish the fire from the crash of Swede Savage's car during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. 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. It's what keeps us motivated. The Gearheads hosted a roundtable of a different sort, discussing the state of the hobby at the 71st Grand National Roadster Show. 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. Teran was killed instantly. View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino, California. 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. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier.[1][2][3]. Swede Savage Trans Am style #autoracing #auto #racing #trans #am. Miraculously, Swede survived the violent crash, but was critically injured. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. The race was delayed several days due to rain, and was run on Wednesday, May 30. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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