SAVAGE ANGEL
Death and Rebirth at the Indianapolis 500
THE book
The history of swede savage
SAVAGE ANGEL author, Ted Woerner, was an 11-year old Swede Savage “super fan” sitting in the turn 4 grandstand at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 12, 1973. He watched and cheered as his hero broke the track record in time trials for the Indianapolis 500.
On race day, he was sitting in his 6th grade classroom on a Wednesday afternoon in suburban Chicago, secretly listening to the twice rain-delayed race through a wired ear plug connected to a transistor radio that he’d smuggled into school. A drawing he’d made of Swede’s bright red race car was mounted on a classroom bulletin board directly behind him, which he had decorated with an Indy 500 theme. His enthusiasm when Swede took the lead of the race turned to horror as he heard the news over the live radio broadcast that his hero had just been involved in a horrific crash.
forever celebrated
The Savage legacy
Racing Legend
Born David Earl Savage, Jr. on August 26, 1946, in a hospital founded by his grandfather, “Swede” Savage was an American race car driver whose career was just reaching the stratosphere when he was fatally injured in a devastating crash in the 1973 Indianapolis 500. He was just 26 years old when he died. He remains, to this day, the last driver to have suffered fatal injuries in the Indianapolis 500.
That’s the short story. But the complete Swede Savage story is so much more. Swede was a native of San Bernardino, California. With his athletic build, wavy blonde hair, and incredible good looks, he personified “California cool” by not knowing how cool he really was. He oozed charm and charisma because he was unaware how charming and charismatic he really was. He was as unassuming as he was good looking. He appeared on a major network TV talk show and was a guest at the White House at an age when most people are still figuring out what to do with their lives.
What the Readers are Saying
Joshua Clay
“Amazing book – start to finish!!! A must read for any racing fan, but also for anyone who wants to be inspired by Angela Savage’s incredible, true story of triumph over tragedy. Being a relatively new racing fan, this book provides a wonderful look at a special time in the sport’s history and culture. I bought two more as gifts to friends, who I know will enjoy everything about this riveting and surprising story.”
Lora Roberts
“I was expecting a good read about racing idol, Swede Savage, but was blown away by Ted Woerner’s explicit rendition of Swede’s racing career and his life.
In 1967, while attending the Daytona 500 race week, my husband Monty Roberts, Marketing Director for Ford Motor Company Racing, was contacted by Dan Gurney to meet his young protege, Swede Savage. Swede was a dirt bike champion racer wanting to get into auto racing. There was something very special and captivating about Swede.
Monty convinced the Ford brass to sponsor Swede, and he quickly joined Holman-Moody, Ford NASCAR team, racing at local tracks. Swede, the rookie, instantly stood out and was beloved by racing fans. His untimely death shook the racing world.
Prior to reading the book I expected Swede, the racer, to be the story. I was overwhelmed to be soaked into the intricate details of Swede’s personal life that succeeded his death, affecting the life of his daughter, Angela, who was born just three months later.
Ted Woerner has told a brutally honest and forthright story of a world renowned racer and the complicated story of his unborn daughter, Angela. This book will stay in your memory!”
Ken Speck
“A captivating account of a savage angel…Swede Savage’s shortened journey through racing’s most dangerous times. Haunting and beautiful memories take the reader along to explore the consequences of living on the edge and how it affects those left behind. Swede was one of a kind..a hero, a warrior, a friend. The tragic event of 1973 was the beginning of a courageous story with a happy ending.
God bless you Angela.”
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Superfan bundle
Exclusive Signed Copy of Book (Angela Savage and Author)
Signed by Author and Angela Savage
Classic Snapback Hat
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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Standard
- Exclusive first edition copy of Savage Angel by Ted Woerner
Super Fan
- Exclusive first edition copy of Savage Angel by Ted Woerner
- Signed by Angela Savage and Author
- Classic Snapback Hat
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Fan
- Exclusive first edition copy of Savage Angel by Ted Woerner
- Signed by Angela Savage and Author
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