March 31, 1956
Kevin Cogan
(Photo; www.indycar.com)
Born in Culver City, California, USA.
After two attempts at Formula One, failing to qualify the Ram Racing Williams FW-7 at Montreal in 1980, and in 1981 he failed to qualify a Tyrrell at Long Beach, Cogan moved to Indy cars. In 1982 Cogan joined Team Penske to drive the #4 Norton Spirit Penske PC-10-Cosworth DFX. At the season-opening Kraco Car Stereos 150, at Phoenix International Raceway, Cogan qualified and finished in 3rd place.
During qualifying for the 1982 Indianapolis 500, he set a new one-lap track record of 204.638 mph, and a record four-lap average of 204.082 mph. He was beaten only by his teammate Rick Mears. Cogan started from the middle of the front row, next to pole-sitter Mears, and A.J. Foyt. As the field approached the start/finish line to start the race, Cogan suddenly swerved right, touching and bouncing off Foyt's car, and directly into the path of and collecting Mario Andretti. The cars of Dale Whittington and Roger Mears, deeper in the field, were also damaged due to the field checking up. Bobby Rahal also reported getting hit from behind, but was undamaged. The race was immediately red flagged. Cogan's shocking accident took out four cars, including himself and Andretti. Foyt's team was able to make repairs, and pushed his car out for the restart attempt. Meanwhile, Andretti and Foyt were furious and outspoken about their displeasure with Cogan. He quickly fell out of favor following the humiliation stemming from the accident. It was followed by a noticeable "blacklisting" by fans and press.
The remainder of Cogan's season proved to be inconsistent, highlighted by a 2nd place finish at the Domino's Pizza Pocono 500 at Pocono International Raceway. Cogan also scored a pair of pole positions at the Budweiser Cleveland 500 and the AirCal 500 at Riverside International Raceway. At the end of the season Cogan finished 6th in points. Penske released Cogan at the end of the season.
Cogan drove in CART from 1982 to 1993, with 6th place in 1982 and 1986 being his best finish in the CART standings, and his win at Phoenix in 1986 being his only win.
During qualifying for the 1982 Indianapolis 500, he set a new one-lap track record of 204.638 mph, and a record four-lap average of 204.082 mph. He was beaten only by his teammate Rick Mears. Cogan started from the middle of the front row, next to pole-sitter Mears, and A.J. Foyt. As the field approached the start/finish line to start the race, Cogan suddenly swerved right, touching and bouncing off Foyt's car, and directly into the path of and collecting Mario Andretti. The cars of Dale Whittington and Roger Mears, deeper in the field, were also damaged due to the field checking up. Bobby Rahal also reported getting hit from behind, but was undamaged. The race was immediately red flagged. Cogan's shocking accident took out four cars, including himself and Andretti. Foyt's team was able to make repairs, and pushed his car out for the restart attempt. Meanwhile, Andretti and Foyt were furious and outspoken about their displeasure with Cogan. He quickly fell out of favor following the humiliation stemming from the accident. It was followed by a noticeable "blacklisting" by fans and press.
The remainder of Cogan's season proved to be inconsistent, highlighted by a 2nd place finish at the Domino's Pizza Pocono 500 at Pocono International Raceway. Cogan also scored a pair of pole positions at the Budweiser Cleveland 500 and the AirCal 500 at Riverside International Raceway. At the end of the season Cogan finished 6th in points. Penske released Cogan at the end of the season.
Cogan drove in CART from 1982 to 1993, with 6th place in 1982 and 1986 being his best finish in the CART standings, and his win at Phoenix in 1986 being his only win.
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