He proved it again in that race and got the job done.. But no one could deny his talent. Still, those five winsthree on the large superspeedways at Ontario, Texas, and Michigan, one at the short Milwaukee Mile oval, and one road race at Mosportdemonstrated Ongais' versatility as a driver. Weve got a lot of new stuff that were now gelling the team and figuring out how to work together and build on the processes. Ongais win at Riverside was especially memorable as his dragster broke after final-round opponent Gordon Collett red-lighted, so, as was the rule back then, Ongais had to push his car the length of the quarter-mile to trip the win light. When is Danny Ongais funeral? ), Danny Ongais stepped up when @INDYCAR & I needed him most. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. The team also has been aggressive outside racing. Ongais had always expressed a desire to drive an Indianapolis 500 car. Danny Ongais Net Worth Explored Indy car racer Danny Ongais total assets are estimated to be around $5 million. Although he was clipped on the chest by a flying tire from his wrecked racer and confined to Methodist Hospital in fair condition with a concussion, Ongais was hoping to be ready to remount in time to qualify on the second weekend. When he got his chance, he did not disappoint anyone. Getting Zak more plugged into the team has been a fantastic side effect of this change, Ward said. This time they carried him away, his body broken almost beyond repair. He crashed again in 1982, and then came Thursday`s wrenching collision with the wall. WebDanny Ongais passed away on February 26, 2022 at the age of 79. A look at seven decades of wild, wheelstanding crowdpleasers, Altered States, Part 2: Breakage, tears, and fears, but ultimately a success story, Altered States: Fear and loathing (and a lot of thrills) on the quarter-mile, Ed 'the Outlaw' Jones: Living life on two wheels for more than 45 years, You never know with nitro: A look back at seven great Funny Car upset wins, Everyone loves an underdog: Here's a list of five great Top Fuel upsets, 30 years ago: The 1992 NHRA season was a year full of historic firsts, Female Pro Stock pioneer Shay Nichols: A life well lived (and then some), Magnificent Seven: A history of female racers in NHRA Pro Stock competition, On the Gas: The drag racing life and times of Danny Ongais, By The Numbers: Pro Stock readies for 900th event 'birthday' in Pomona, That was then, this is now: A look back at the NHRA season 50 years ago. He drove with bravado and advocated unlimited rules at the Indianapolis 500. Ongais tried to correct the slide by turning right, and the car hooked to the right and crashed nearly head-on into the wall. I work really well in it, and Im excited to bring her in and experience that. In 1978 he won five races and was the hottest driver on the circuit. I had probably the best race other than the one I had with AJ Foyt in 1974, but Danny and I were racing at Michigan in 1978, Rutherford told NBC Sports. Were not where we want to be right now, but thats normal. He was a tough guy, but it was fun to know him. In 1998 he attempted to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 with Team Pelfrey but was unable to do so when he suffered a concussion after a crash. In this week's Dragster Insider, friends and fellow racers remember the guy nicknamed On the Gas.. I think thatll grow into a bigger, better version of a big team than there is. He did his own thing. He was a true talent. But we are trying hard to collect all the information about him and will update you soon. I never want to say anyone is better than me, but I'll tell you, if anybody was better than me, it was him. [2], Ongais was born in Kahului, Hawaii, on May 21, 1942. To him, the hardest part of the project came in deciding on a name for the car. He made a lot of noise in a very quiet way. Its collegiate students wanting to grow a career. For the 1980 season Interscope was intending to use their own chassis with a Porsche V6 engine. THE racing world is mourning the passing of American star Danny Ongais who has died at the age of 79. Your IP: Theres one person coming in every other day, and it just becomes normality, the Swede said. Indianapolis became his bete noir. Ongais dominated in SCCA competition in 1974, catching the eye of young media mogul Ted Field, who had recently founded the Interscope Records label. He crashed out on a wet track at Watkins Glen after moving up early but managed a 7th place in Canada in what would be his best finish in F1.[2]. He was the Indycar Rookie of the Year in 1977, competed in the Indy 500 11 times, and finished as high as fourth (1979) and also competed in both the famed 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans before hanging up his driving gloves in 1998. 162.144.88.63 Interscope then bought a new Shadow chassis for him to race but he was unable to qualify at Long Beach and also in the Netherlands later in the season. How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar, Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win, Dan Wheldon and his amazing last win On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Its really exciting to be part of a group that still has ties to everyone being very hungry and ambitious and could do all sorts of roles and do whatever needed to be done. Ongais is the main Hawaiian to compete in Hustlings Greatest Show. Its high schoolers. A driver cannot let skill alone speak for him. Ongais then won the Funny Car class in the 1969 NHRA U.S. Nationals at IRP, drag racings most prestigious event, in a distinctive blue Ford Mach 1 Mustang fielded by Mickey Thompson. Ongais made his CART debut during the 1979 season driving the #25 Panasonic/Interscope Racing Parnelli 6C-Cosworth DFX. NASCAR 2023 at Las Vegas schedule, entry list, and how to watch, NASCAR 2023 at Las Vegas schedule, entry list, and how to watch Eventually progressing through regional series and Formula 5000, Ongais and Field moved to USAC and Indy cars in 1976 under the banner of Interscope Racing. I think Gavin kind of feeds off that and has a similar style as well.. As a statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway pointed out, Ongais was known not only for his huge speed, but also surviving some violent crashes. Pole-sitter Scott Brayton suffered fatal injuries in a post-qualifying practice crash, and team owner John Menard hired Ongais as the replacement driver. He was knocked unconscious by the heavy impact. Ongais had no fear. And Penske said he would have a car ready for him. Danny completed 10th place in his last race in 1996. So far as anyone knows, he has nothing to hide.''. Faster than he could whip a motorcycle through a turn, Ongais became a drag racer and an instant winner. He quickly showed he could drive those cars as fast as anyone. We stayed friends over the years, and wed see each other at functions if he showed up. Sulley Muntari, Agyeman Badu, Asamoah Gyan, others visit Christian Atsus family home, VIDEO: Government will be fully involved in providing Christian Atsu a befitting burial Dr. Bawumia, Christian Atsus mortal remains arrive in Ghana via Turkish Airlines, Maybe I created enemies along the line Kofi Amoabeng on UT Banks collapse, Christian Atsu was one of Ghanas finest personnel Akufo-Addo, This is some food chain story Archipalago shamed for chasing clout with Christian Atsus death. ''I`m amazed.''. Ongais also survived a spectacular barrel roll at the Michigan 500 at Michigan International Speedway when he ran into the slower car of Phil Krueger on the backstretch. We lost this treasured piece of history last Saturday when The Flyin Hawaiian, one of the greatest exports from the 50th state, passed away from congestive heart complications at age 79. The rides with major teams that could have been his went to less talented but more malleable men. Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021. The head count was up to 94 by mid-February and is expected to be at least 100 by the end of March. People get to see how much enthusiasm Zak brings. Ongais and Field teamed up with success in Formula 5000 and the IndyCar Series in the late 1970s. ''He studies everything he says,'' says one friend, ''but why? Kate Gundlach, a performance engineer at Arrow McLaren, was leafing through a sports car magazine a couple years ago when she stumbled upon a story about Grace Hackenberg, an Oregon-based racing engineer. Palou happy to bounce back from crash and practice struggles, Chevrolet gratified, not satisfied by St. Pete IndyCar win, Hardwick slams flawed IMSA BoP, announces WEC plans, Hardwick slams flawed IMSA BoP The Cosworth was hugely powerful, Ongais regularly appearing to dance the car on the rim of disaster on his way to eight pole positions, and when it hung together he tended to win: he racked up five triumphs that year. He was later discharged and returned to Hawaii for motor racing. Daniel was born on June 10, 1938 and passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019. He was 79. In 1985, he also survived a spectacular barrel roll at Michigan International Speedway after hitting the back of the slower car of Phil Krueger on the backstretch. Obviously, were very happy with what weve managed to pull together in recruiting talented people at a time where its a scrap for talent out there. Its a mentality shift thats good. Arrow McLaren still has done much of its hiring through the paddocks traditional word of mouth manner. I always wanted to be like him. WebChapman did state that well into their relationship he learned Ongais was married and had a son. His best years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway came with Interscope Racing and its eye-catching No. That is what I liked about individuals like that.. WebI was with the first crew to reach Danny Ongais (1981) when he had his horrifying wreck. He did not have any of that reputation, quite honestly. Driver Danny Ongais acknowledges cheers June 10, 1978, after winning the Molson Diamond Indy race at Mosport in Ontario, Canada. So when this all happened, I was really I think everyone in the team feels that we should perform and win instead of like, its a luxury to win. Ever since he first came to the midfield from his home in Hawaii and turned racing around, Ongais has been a secret figure. He was a good guy. I think the vibe is fantastic. Al Unser was named as Ongais replacement and drove to his fourth 500 victory in a backup car that was a show car earlier in May in a hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania. The 1978 Michigan victory would turn out to be the final Indy car victory of Ongais' career. Getting out of the car, Ongais pushed it the length of the quarter-mile dragstrip to claim the championship. I think its a more family friendly way to go racing. Racing teams typically face double-digit turnover after the season. Virtually all that is known of Ongais is a matter of public record. Wow, thats some high praise. Im new to this role; hes lived it before. Danny Ongais has In this He was easy going outside of the car, didnt say much and kept to himself but when he got in the car and put a helmet on, it was like he flipped the switch and stood on the gas.. Children: He is having no children as of now. Ward noted two important additions from the world of Big Data and analytics in data and strategy lead Michael Gethers (who came from Salesforce) and engineer Eric Hestekin (who arrived from Boeing Defense). Went to victory lane and did all the smiling and pictures. He moved up to the National Hot Rod Association AA Dragster championship and defeated the legendary Don Prudhomme in the 1966 NHRA Nationals in the Top Fuel semifinals. Honestly, this team comes from humble beginnings in the IndyCar world. The time zone changes arent quite so big. Ongais moved into circuit racing in the 1970s, working his way up the ranks in American racing through SCCA road racing with the help of Ted Field. It is his and his alone. Now, his relationship is perfect. That is the reason why he got into the wall so often.. He had a 7th at Ontario and 5th at Phoenix and then he won his first Indy car race at Michigan International Speedway. Women comprise nearly 20 percent of its staff with many in the engineering department. A semi-serious look at the points battles heading to Pomona, T.V. Rossis signing was followed by the arrival of Brian Barnhart, the former IndyCar VP of competition who called strategy in Rossis final season at Andretti (when he ended a three-year winless drought). Even his closest friends know little of We came together with a big hug. 32 seat vacated by the late Scott Brayton, Danny Ongais made his last start in the Indy 500 with Team Menard (IndyCar). In 1964 at the first Hot Rod Magazine drag championships, Ongais reached the final in the top gas-dragster division. They dominated the season, winning the Bakersfield March Meet, Orange Countys Manufacturer's Meet, and the NHRA Springnationals and U.S. Nationals. I think people start to realize that IndyCar is a pretty fun place to be and not a bad way to go racing, Ward said. His total assets include stocks, houses, and luxury things like personal luxury boats and planes. He was a force to be reckoned with when he was out there. How much does an F1 car weigh in 2023 and what's included in the limit? Thats the difference. Ongais finished in 3rd place at the Detroit News Grand Prix at Michigan International Speedway. Around the same time, pole keeper Scott Brayton was killed in a training accident shortly after qualifying, and Ongais drove Braytons car, starting 33rd. This is certainly an exciting company to work for because the brand is quite well known globally, and that certainly helps from a recruitment perspective. So its been a challenge, but Im really happy with how we managed to hit it in a short period of time. He was there to do a job. Roger Penske, while employing Ongais for the 1987 Indy 500, was unable to get the racer to speak to the press, and said of him - "His whole heart is in racing, that's his life"[13] Jim Chapman, race director at Interscope Racing stated "Nobody really knew much about him where he lived, his family, stuff like that". That 1978 season also included Ongais starting in the middle of the first all-200-mph front row at Indianapolis, between pole-sitter Sneva and rookie Rick Mears. The sad news of the death of the veteran racing driver was announced by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway New hires have come from Fortune 500 companies, major brands and other professional sports an eclectic roster of past employers that includes Disney, SalesForce, the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Rays, Republic Airlines and Boeing Defense, Space & Security (to name a few). Ongais has been a man of mystery since he first arrived on the mainland from his native Hawaii and set the world of drag racing on its ear. Ongais final attempt at Indianapolis came in 1998, when he failed to qualify in a Team Pelfrey car. Weve expanded our operations pretty significantly, she said. He and renowned innovator Mickey Thompson set nearly 300 national and international speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats in a Mach 1 Mustang during the 1960s. Ward said the schedule was among the reasons that engineer Ryan Kelly chose to join Rossis car after multiple seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series. After losing Saturdays AA/Dragster class final to Thompson, he beat Thompson in the final of the eliminator on Sunday, 8.39 to 8.53, to claim the big prize, then a few months later, he won the Hot Rod Magazine Championships at Riverside Raceway. In 1985, Ongais also survived a spectacular barrel-roll at Michigan International Speedway after hitting the back of the slower car of Phil Krueger on the backstretch. Just like the U.S. business world since the Great Resignation of 2020-21, one of the loudest narratives in racing has been the difficulty of hiring and keeping strong personnel since the COVID-19 pandemic upended the worlds workforce. Ward said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who also oversees the F1 team, attended more IndyCar races last year and will continue to be a more constant presence this year as the team ramps up. READ ALSO: Danny Ongais Wife - Was Danny Ongais Married? So we just have to keep that, and well be all right.. The car broke in two and his legs were hanging out. Burny Mattinson cause of death: How did Burny Mattinson die? Ongais was the only native Hawaiian to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Ongais died from congestive heart failure in Anaheim Hills, California, on February 26, 2022, at the age of 79. He was a motorcycle champion in Hawaii when he decided to come to the mainland United States and go racing. It doesnt happen overnight. He In 1969, Ongais won the NHRA Spring Nationals and NHRA U.S. Nationals in the Funny Car class driving a Mickey Thompson Ford Mustang. Some of the new faces are at the very top. When he was 14, he already was speeding around on motorcycles. He got his licks in. Visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Celebration of Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. Yet he hides everything. The sad news of the death of the veteran racing driver was announced by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway two days later after his death. and he has been married to his wife The versatile Ongais made 11 Indianapolis 500 starts between 1977 and 1996, with four top-10 finishes. 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