Swede Savage, Indy 500 Driver

David Earl ‘Swede’ Savage was a familiar face on the US racing scene of the late sixties and early seventies. With a name that sounded like a racing driver and looks to match he competed in categories as diverse as Champcars, sports cars, Trans-Am and NASCAR. At Indianapolis in 1973 he was one of the favourites to take victory but a fiery accident left him severely injured and he succumbed just over a month later.

Savage’s interest in racing was apparent from an early age when he competed in soapbox derbies. Later, he also experimented with quarter midgets and karts but it was on motorcycles that he really honed his skills. Even while competing in NASCAR and Champcar Savage continued to race in speedway events.

NASCAR was where Savage initially displayed his four-wheel ability, racing for the Holman Moody team. With the backing of Ford and Dan Gurney sports car racing quickly became another outlet for the young driver. In 1969 Savage made his Champcar debut and quickly mastered the fearsome machines. He raced in the category for the next four seasons, a high point being a victory at Phoenix in 1970.

Savage’s first attempt at the Indianapolis 500, in 1972, brought disappointment. An early retirement saw him classified only 32nd. His prospects for the 1973 race looked far brighter as he threatened to break the 200mph barrier throughout the month of May, eventually qualifying in fourth position.

In the race itself Savage led for some laps before relinquishing the lead to Al Unser. On lap 58 Savage’s car skidded exiting turn four and ploughed into the inside retaining wall, eerily reminiscent of Dave MacDonald's crash in 1964. The car seemed to detonate, with pieces thrown in every direction and fire breaking out. Savage himself had been thrown to the other side of the track, still strapped to his seat. Although still conscious he was severely injured. Meanwhile another tragedy was being played out in the pit lane as a crew member, Armando Teran, was struck and killed by a fire truck racing to the accident scene.

Savage was taken to hospital with terrible burns but it was thought he would live. Dr Stephen Olvey, who cared for Savage, recalled how the driver eventually lost his battle due to a contaminated blood transfusion. In his 2006 book, 'Rapid Response', published by Haynes, Olvey recalled the details:

"The plasma was part of a tainted batch inadvertently distributed throughout the United States. Several other unfortunate people died in hospitals around the country."

Despite his relatively brief career, Savage established himself as one of the most popular drivers of his era. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, San Bernardino, California.

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds