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December 7, 2009

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User profile: Discpad

Joined: Aug. 15, 2008

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Posted on: Why no one could fill the void left by Swede Savage

Ron, this story brings back the nightmare of the 1973 Indy 500, when I was 12 years old. Don't forget that Art Pollard was killed in practice on May 12th; and a pit crewman for Johncock was also killed when he stepped over the wall to look north to Turn 4 when Savage crashed, being hit by a tow truck going in the opposite direction.

My memories of the `73 500 were different, though: The Salt Walther wreck was right in front of us (in Paddock Box 10); and when his car flipped up into the catchfence there was a HUGE ball of fire exploding into the track boxes and grandstand, seriously burning several spectators. Then, within a few minutes, down came a huge downpour as the grounds crew was welding the fence poles.

We stayed in town for Monday; but then with the forecast showing more rain, my father decided for us to head back to NJ: He said "Why stay for rain?" ... and I was disappointed.

My cousins were at the track on that fateful Wednesday in our seats, on the front straight about across from the entrance to Gasoline Alley; and they witnessed the crewman getting hit right in front of them.

My hero growing up was Mark Donohue, and I was really looking forward to seeing him repeat his win in 1972.

Dan Schwartz
Sayreville, NJ

(Suggest removal) 8/15/08 at 12:18 p.m.

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