American racing great Danny Ongais

[05900]

American racing great Danny Ongais dead at 79 .​

Ongais became known as "The Flyin' Hawaiian" as he competed across a number of racing disciplines, including Formula One, sports cars and the NHRA.




During the 1981 Indy 500, Ongais survived one of the most dramatic crashes in the race's history when his car disintegrated after hitting the wall, leaving his legs and arms exposed as it burst into flames and skidded to a stop. He suffered several season-ending injuries, but returned to drive in the race the following year.

 

[Speed-Demon]

Very sad day. These guys are truly my heroes. No test/safety equipment. The run/crash was the test, and the builders and cars evolved from there. The stories and times of these legendary men can never be duplicated. The real meaning of “No Fear.” ?

 

[Speed-Demon]

These guys were too tough! GET SOME!!

 

[go high fast]

Such a great era of IndyCar racing legends. I miss those guys terribly. Each and everyone of them are the coolest guys to ever walk the face of the earth. Sneva , Johncock, Rutherford, Mears, Foyt, Al, Bobby, Lil’ Al, Andretti all fabulous American icons. I even give a tip of a hat to Janet Guthrie. Such a cool woman.