March 18, 1937 – August 19, 1975
Mark Donohue
Born in Haddon Township, New Jersey, USA.
Nicknamed "Captain Nice", and later "Dark Monohue", was known for his ability to set up his own race car as well as driving it to victories. Donohue is probably best known as the driver of the 1500+ bhp “Can-Am Killer” Porsche 917-30 and as the winner of the 1972 Indianapolis 500.
(Photo; www.flickr.com)
Donohue died on August 19, 1975, from injuries as a result of a crash. Donohue recently had arrived in Austria for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Österreichring race track following a successful closed-course speed record attempt at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama just a few days earlier. During a practice session, Donohue lost control of his March after a tire failed, sending him careening into the catch fencing at the fastest corner on the track, Vöest Hügel. A track marshal was killed by debris from the accident, but Donohue did not appear to be injured significantly. It is said that Donohue's head struck either a catch fencing post or the bottom of the wood frame for an advertising billboard located alongside of the racetrack. A headache resulted, however, and worsened. After going to the hospital the next day, Donohue lapsed into a coma from a cerebral hemorrhage and died.
For more see; Tribute To Mark Donohue
This Day In Motorsport History - Home Page
Nicknamed "Captain Nice", and later "Dark Monohue", was known for his ability to set up his own race car as well as driving it to victories. Donohue is probably best known as the driver of the 1500+ bhp “Can-Am Killer” Porsche 917-30 and as the winner of the 1972 Indianapolis 500.
Donohue died on August 19, 1975, from injuries as a result of a crash. Donohue recently had arrived in Austria for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Österreichring race track following a successful closed-course speed record attempt at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama just a few days earlier. During a practice session, Donohue lost control of his March after a tire failed, sending him careening into the catch fencing at the fastest corner on the track, Vöest Hügel. A track marshal was killed by debris from the accident, but Donohue did not appear to be injured significantly. It is said that Donohue's head struck either a catch fencing post or the bottom of the wood frame for an advertising billboard located alongside of the racetrack. A headache resulted, however, and worsened. After going to the hospital the next day, Donohue lapsed into a coma from a cerebral hemorrhage and died.
For more see; Tribute To Mark Donohue
This Day In Motorsport History - Home Page
Loved to see him in that Sonoco car at Watkins Glen.
ReplyDeleteRemembering Mark today
ReplyDeleteOne of my cars was named after him. MARK DONAHUE JAVELIN
ReplyDeleteMiss him. R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteremember it happening
ReplyDelete