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Patrick James O'Connor [1] (October 9, 1928 – May 30, 1958) [2] was an American racecar driver. He was killed in a 15-car pileup, after sustaining a fatal head injury after rolling his car and catching fire on the first lap of the 1958 Indianapolis 500 .
On the opening lap, a 15-car pileup occurred in turn three. According to A. J. Foyt, Pat O'Connor's car hit that of Jimmy Reece, sailed 50 feet (15 m) in the air, landed upside down, and burst into flames. Although O'Connor was badly burned in the accident, medical officials said that he was probably killed instantly from a fractured skull. [52]
The race is best known for a massive first-lap, 15-car pileup that resulted in the death of fan-favorite driver Pat O'Connor. Jimmy Bryan was the race winner. This marked the first time that one car would carry two drivers to separate wins at the race, in back-to-back years, with Sam Hanks winning the previous year's race in the same car.
There were also five non-championship events. The USAC National Champion was Tony Bettenhausen and the Indianapolis 500 winner was Jimmy Bryan. There were three fatalities during the season. Pat O'Connor lost his life in a first lap accident during the Indy 500. Art Bisch died of injuries suffered during the race at Lakewood Speedway.
Paul Goldsmith, who finished third in the Indy 500 in 1960, died Friday at 98. He was the oldest living Indy 500 starter.
Pat O'Connor (USA) [65] May 30, 1958 USAC: Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis 500: Chapman Root: Kurtis 500G – Offenhauser "Sumar" Race Art Bisch (USA) [66] [note 14] July 4, 1958 USAC: Lakewood Speedway: 100-mile race: Pete Salemi: Kuzma – Offenhauser "Central Excavating" Race Jimmy Reece (USA) [68] September 28, 1958 USAC: Trenton ...
Get to know Indy 500 driver Pato O'Ward of Arrow McLaren, as he enters the race's starting grid lineup at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This is a category for racing drivers who were killed while driving a racing car, either in competition or during testing.It includes drivers who were killed immediately, as well as those who were not killed immediately but succumbed to their injuries some time later.