Among pallbearers are Dan Gurney, second from left, and Jim Wright, dark glasses. 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. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. 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. 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. He proved to be a winner on two wheels too. The 1973 edition of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the lowest points in American motorsports history. I would tell people for years that Johncock won the race that no one wanted to remember, IMS historian Donald Davidson recalled. His athletic career reached a crossroads, however, when his high school football coach told him that he had to chose between motorcycle racing (in which he was considered a professional due to the meager prize money he was winning) or continue participating in high school athletics as an amateur. 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. [1] [2] [3] Contents 1 Early life 2 Racing career 2.1 1973 Indianapolis 500 crash and subsequent death Miraculously, Swede survived the violent crash, but was critically injured. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. 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. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. He died later that day at a local hospital. 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 drivers defy the potential dangers trying to conquer this place and this race, Andretti said. The enhanced safety measures have enabled drivers to walk away from other devastating crashes the past two decades. He was just 26 years old when he died. 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. SWEDE SAVAGE 1973 ~ died in the hospital 33 days after the accident. (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. Swede Savage, circa 1973. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. Savage would survive the crash but die a little more than four months later. Longtime Indy 500 spectators who witnessed the crash called it the most spectacular single-car accident in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. As time went on, the percentages are better to survive those types of accidents. 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 fatal crash at Indy 500 (30 May 1973) ALL ANGLES & PICTURES. 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. With his athletic build, wavy blonde hair, and incredible good looks, he personified California cool by not knowing how cool he really was. Sign. He crashed violently early in the race that year and died a month later. One thing is for sure, if you dwell on the negative, you better get out of it. He was just 26 years old when he died. Like Savage and Pollard, Andretti accepted the dangers. 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. < back . TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. If you're going to be a race driver, you have to bite your tongue and go on with it. This content is intended for editorial use only. 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 won well over a hundred quarter midget races. Foyt, a four-time Indy 500 winner, said softly. 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. Swede raced car #42 and Dan raced an identical car #48. In the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Savage was entered in an STP-sponsored Eagle-Offenhauser (number 40) prepared by master mechanic George Bignotti. Swede Savage remains one of the sports most excruciating stories of unrealized potential; a superstar in the making who lost his life at a young age in one of auto racings deadliest eras. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. See photos from throughout Swede Savage's career. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: 5314. 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. 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. He had been the fastest driver for much of practice. 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. Olvey claimed that Savage contracted hepatitis B from a transfusion, causing his liver to fail. 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. High-quality motorsport photography galleries featuring Swede Savage. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Swede was a naturally gifted athlete who helped his high school football team win its first conference championship. Indianapolis 500 Savage Wreck . Teran was killed almost instantly.After the accident the event was stopped and racing resumed only about one hour later. 1973 Indianapolis 500 Crash. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib. Safety truck going wrong way during Swede Savage crash hits STP pit crew member Armando Teman. 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. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's STP car explodes in a fiery crash during the Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1973. Only a cou. 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). David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr. (August 26, 1946 July 2, 1973) was an American race car driver. He was just 26 years old when he died. Contact your. I hated to see someone get killed because so many times I knew (him), Foyt said. 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. Swede Savage fatal crash Indy 500 1973 - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2023 Google LLC 1973 Indy 500. 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. I didn't want to accept what was going on around me. (AP Photo), Swede Savage's car, which was in a wreck in the Indianapolis 500, is pictured spinning out, May 30, 1973. He died at age 26 from complications while recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during the 1973 Indianapolis 500, nearly five weeks earlier. 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. Ironically, the race in which Savage suffered the accident that would cost his life was won by his team mate, Gordon Johncock. But the pain of an inescapable memory is still there in his voice and on his face. 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. 5/30/1973 7307220355. 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. 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. 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. Possibly it happened due to a malfunctioning right rear joint, or by running on an incorrect driving line with cold tires. Drivers Art Pollard and Savage and crew member Armando Teran were. 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. When that green flag goes down, you gotta worry about yourself. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection whilst still in hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. All Indy 500 Legends. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. 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. Savage's wreck was the third explosive crash in Indy's deadliest year that claimed the lives of three men and permanently scarred another. She never had the chance to meet her Dad, nor did she ever see any part of the racing world in which he lived. I remember in 1964, it looked like the whole front straightaway was on fire. In 1968 and 1969, he also raced in NASCAR events. 7/6/1973 779743884872. 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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. 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. Tragically, one of his. 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. 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. of additional fuel and a new (cold) right rear tire. On Sunday May 6, three drivers left the grounds to race in the NASCAR Winston 500 at Talladega. [1][2][3], The true cause of his death remains a point of dispute. 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 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. In his book \"Rapid Response: My Inside Story as a Motor Racing Life-Saver\" published in 2010, Dr. Stephen Olvey who was Swede Savage's attending physician at Indianapolis hospital, and later CART's Director of Medical Affairs, indicated that the real cause of death was complications related to a blood transfusion, contaminated with Hepatitis B, which caused his liver to fail.Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swede_Savage Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users. The exact cause of Savage's sudden turn across the race track and into the infield wall has not been settled. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. (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 choice is something we all made. The Gearheads hosted a roundtable of a different sort, discussing the state of the hobby at the 71st Grand National Roadster Show. 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. 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. I felt I was willing to take the calculated risk to 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. 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. 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. Driving an Eagle-Ford IndyCar, Savage won the Bobby Ball Memorial, a 150-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 21, 1970. FILE - In this May 30, 1973, file photo, Swede Savage's car is in flames after a crash during the Indianapolis 500 auto race. 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. 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. 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. Collect, curate and comment on your files. [4] This would be his sole professional auto racing victory. Savage died more than a month after the race. Indianapolis, IN 5/30/1973 I had to accept that or do something else with my life. The following year, he competed once again for Patrick Racing, one of the top teams in USAC Championship (IndyCar) racing. By his mid-teens he was racing motorcycles competitively. 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. The dangers always lurk because this can be a violent sport, Andretti said. Contact your local office to see if we can clear this image for you. Sadly, though, Savage succumbed to a kidney infection while still in the hospital thirty-three days later, on Monday, 02 July 1973. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Many believed that Swede would soon be joining the exclusive group of Indy 500 winners as he took the lead of the race. 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. 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]. The years haven't been kind to a knee that was surgically repaired three times. 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]. 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. 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. One of his motorcycle riding buddies, the internationally famous race car driver, Dan Gurney, became quite impressed with Swedes riding and racing skills. Check out the vast collections of swede savage pictures from AP Images. 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. Later in the day, as the winds abated, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser and Mark Donohue each bettered Savage's time. United States; Canada; . He returned to driving in August at the Trans-Am event at Watkins Glen. As the car spiraled along the front stretch, spectators were doused with fuel. But Tuesday was wet and the drivers saw the red flag while on their parade lap. 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. 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. (AP Photo/File), Special Instructions: WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1973; 5314. 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. When you're on the sideline, it can be dangerous. In March 1971, Savage entered the Questor Grand Prix at Ontario Motor Speedway, driving an Eagle-Plymouth Formula 5000 car. 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. It was a May to forget. [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 - 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. 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. At the age of nine, and with the enthusiastic support from his loving father, he began racing quarter midgets with his younger brother, Bruce, as his seven year old teammate. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. 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. As a young boy, Swedes dream was always to compete in and win the Indianapolis 500. I remember the wind blowing real bad. 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. Savage, still strapped in his seat in a large piece of the car, was thrown back across the circuit. Were it not for the lessons taught by tragedy, the race would be better forgotten. When I watch my son and grandson, I appreciate all my wife went through all those years, said Andretti, 73. 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. I think there has to be a little drama. View Cemetery in his hometown of San Bernardino, California. 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. Television footage seems to show the right half of his rear wing had come loose, which would instantly change the downforce on the wheels and could explain the sudden back and forth twitching of the car. Competing in the 1969 Daytona 500, he crashed after a wheel fell off on lap 124.
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