Eddie Sachs

Eddie Sachs (1927-1964) was an American racing car driver. In IndyCar (USAC), between 1953 and 1964, he scored 8 wins, 19 podiums and 4 pole positions. A tough competitor, he once declared: “If you can’t win, be spectacular.” And spectacular he was.

Sachs (picture above taken in 1963) was an eight-time starter of the Indianapolis 500, from 1957 to 1964, winning the pole position in 1960 and 1961, with his best finish being second in 1961.

Leading the race with only three laps to go, he saw his rear tire begin to delaminate and pitted to replace it, handing victory to A.J. Foyt. Sachs never regretted his decision not to gamble on the tire, saying “I’d sooner finish second than be dead.” 

Sadly, Eddie Sachs and sports car driver Dave MacDonald, a 500 rookie, were killed in a fiery crash involving seven cars on the second lap of the 1964 Indianapolis 500.