Nationality American Entries 6 (5 starts) Wins 0 | Active years 1953–1958 Championships 0 First race 1953 Indianapolis 500 | |
Born October 9, 1928 ( 1928-10-09 ) Teams Deidt, Kurtis Kraft, Schroeder Died 30 May 1958, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | ||
Pat O'Connor (October 9, 1928 in North Vernon, Indiana – May 30, 1958 in Indianapolis, Indiana) 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.
Contents
He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in May 1958, adding to the legend of the Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx.
1958 Indianapolis 500
Dick Rathmann and Ed Elisian started the race on the front row, with Jimmy Reece on the outside of the front row. Elisian spun in turn 3 of the first lap and collided with Rathmann's car, sending them both into the wall, and starting a 15-car pileup.
According to A. J. Foyt, O'Connor's car hit Reece's car, sailed fifty feet in the air, landed upside down, and burst into flames. Although O'Connor was incinerated in the accident, medical officials said that he was probably killed instantly from a fractured skull.
Widely blamed for the accident, Elisian was suspended by USAC for the accident (reinstated a few days later), and was shunned by many in the racing community.
Following the accident, race officials announced that they would change the starting procedure, abandoning the single-file trip down pit lane that was used in 1957 and 1958. Also, for the 1959 Indy 500, metal roll bars welded to the frame behind the driver's head were mandated, and helmets were required to pass safety certification by Speedway medical officials.
World Championship career summary
The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Pat O'Connor participated in 5 World Championship races. He started on the pole once but scored no World Championship points, as his best finish was eighth (twice).
Awards
He was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1995.