Death of Roger Rager

Former American pilot Roger Rager died suddenly at the age of 73 on February 16. His career in USAC and CART (former names ofIndyCar) only includes a participation in the Indianapolis 500 in 1980 as well as a few discreet results, but the former Sprint car champion on dirt tracks became known for his particularly daring choice of engine on the brickyard.

Limited by a meager budget ($55), Roger Rager spent $000 on the purchase of a used Wildcat chassis that was three years old. He doesn't have much left to find an engine. At the time, Cosworth blocks ruled the roost across the Atlantic, but English engines were far too expensive.

So the gentleman driver heads to a car scrapyard, where he finds a Chevrolet engine from... a yellow school bus! The priority being to use a reliable and torquey engine rather than an engine specially prepared for racing, which is more efficient but also less reliable.

Qualified in 10th place ahead of a big name like AJ Foyt, Roger Rager will have the privilege of leading two laps before retiring in a collision.

CARhebdo sends its condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Roger Rager.