Death of Danny Ongais

He was nicknamed “On Gas” or “The Flying Hawaiian”. Danny Ongais died on February 26 at the age of 79 from heart complications at his home in Anaheim Hills, California.

The tablets of the Indianapolis 500 Miles rarely feature his name, and yet Danny Ongais was considered one of the darlings by the public. In 11 appearances, the native of Kahului on the Hawaiian archipelago (the only Hawaiian to have driven at Indy) became famous for his courage.

Fourth in 1979, Danny Ongais accesses another dimension when he almost perishes in a terrible accident three years later. Single seat shredded against the wall, wreckage in flames, he escaped with multiple fractures to his arms, legs, as well as internal injuries. In 1987, an accident during testing forced him to retire. He will be replaced by Al Unser (also deceased in December 2021) who will win the Indy 500.

Danny Ongais also took part in four Grand Prix of Formula 1 in 1977 and 1978, with a seventh place achieved at Mosport (Canada) for the Interscope Racing team on a Penske PC4. AUTO editorial staffhebdo sends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Danny Ongais.