American Racing Great Danny Ongais Dead at 79

New York Post ^ | March 2, 2022 | Gary Gastelu

[nickcarraway]

Versatile American racing driver Danny Ongais died on February 26 of congestive heart complications at age 79, it was announced Monday.

Ongais was born in Kahului and remains the only native Hawaiian who has ever competed in the Indy 500. He made 11 starts from 1977 and 1996, earning four top 10 finishes and a fourth-place result in 1979.

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.

[BenLurkin]

ping

[Lockbox]

I remember watching him in IMSA in Ted Field’s cars. Danny on the gas, RIP!

[Chode]

complements of Ben... damn

[xp38]

RIP

[atc23]

I’m getting old.

[MtnClimber]

I was at Indy when he had his bad crash in turn 3. I think t was 1981. I was in the infield at the end of turn four and I felt it in my chest. Just womp and then black smoke.

[God luvs America]

Still remember his massive crash during the ‘81 500.

How great it is to listen to Jim McKay and Jackie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trTboUnwjls

[wita]

Thanks Danny for providing racing thrills and a few spills. RIP.

[devane617]

Born to Race!!! Born to go FAST!!! RIP...

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

My gosh. I was unaware of this crash. Miracles do happen.

[clintonh8r]

Well, this is sad to read. I saw him race the Interscope 935 in IMSA many times and witnessed a fistfight between Ronnie Petersen and him in the Daytona garage. Apparently the affections of a lady were involved.

[gymbeau]

Thanks, Chode.
RIP, Flyin’ Hawaiian.

And thanks for all your pings.

[Bob434]

Did you see the crash ,ast year in Bahrain I think it was? Worst crash I’ve ever seen and the driver walked away. Went right through a small hole,that got punched through the barrier. How he survived I dunno. It was really,something when he emerged from the smoke and crawled over the barrier. Angels were certainly riding with him that day

[Chode]

[Chode]

most welcome

[mabarker1]

We are losing History as These Drivers pass. RIP Sir.

Let’s see if these Young Gunz that are coming up through the ranks and and can get even close.

[Chode]

i don’t know who any of them are...

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[MtnClimber]

I also saw Danny race in the IMSA sports car series (always a black number 0 or 00) in Porsche 934 and 935 like this one: