Indianapolis crash

Press, 14 May 1979, Page 17

Indianapolis crash

NZPA-Reuter Indianapolis

Danny Ongais crashed and destroyed his race car in practice for the Indianapolis 500 motor race on Saturday, delaying qualifying trials tmtil'yesterday. It took workers 20 minutes to extricate Ongais, one pf the favourites to win the pole position for the race, from his smashed inter-rcope-Cosworth. He was taken to hospital for overnight observation after complaining of neck pains. The car was going about 804 k.p.h. when it spun out of the fourth turn, slammed rear first into the inside

wall, then spun around again and hit the wall sideways. Rain closed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway until late in the day. The drivers were practising prior to the start of qualifying, but the accident delayed activity and no driver was able to make a time trial run prior to closing time. Speeds are expected to be at least 16 k.p.h. slower than last year’s record of 323 k.p.h. set by Tom Sneva due to new rules that limit the amount of boost. A. J. Foyt recorded the fastest time of 310 k.p.h. during the week’s practice 'runs.