Tony Renna

Tony Renna (November 23 1976 - October 22 2003) was an American race car driver from DeLand, Florida who raced in the Indy Racing League. He made 7 starts for Kelley Racing in 2002 and 2003 including the 2003 Indianapolis 500. His best finish was a 4th at Michigan International Speedway in 2002. He was signed to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2004 in IRL alongside Scott Dixon, but during an off-season test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 22 2003, his car spun and became airborne, smashed into the catch fence and shredded apart. Renna died instantly.

Indy Racing League beginnings

Tony Renna was employed by Kelley Racing for two years from 2002-2003 in the Indy Racing League (IRL). His first race start came on July 20 2002 when he was driving for Al Unser Jr., while Unser was in alcohol rehabilitation after his arrest on July 9 2002. Renna filled in for Unser Jr. twice that season, and was then sponsored in his own car by Dean Kruse in the #78 Kruse Special car for Kelley Racing.

IRL Race results

Tony Renna finished 5 out of the 7 IRL races in which he competed.

2002 IRL season

2003 IRL season summary

Death

On the night of October 21 2003, Team Ganassi's crew was up late during the night getting Tony fitted for his new car that was driven earlier that day by his teammate Scott Dixon. The next morning, Renna was assigned to complete a tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On that morning, it was about 50 degrees outside and the track was cool. On Tony's 4th lap he was driving approximately 218 mph and spun out in turn three. While spinning, his car caught some air underneath the chassis, which lifted the car in the air, and into the catch fence, which was over the four-foot concrete wall. Renna died instantly of massive internal trauma, and was pronounced DOA at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Responses to Renna's death

Following the announcement of his death, many people in the IRL responded to the news:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IRL President Tony George:"Tony Renna was a rising star in IndyCar racing. All of us involved in racing feel a great loss. On behalf of my family and the staff at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, our prayers and best wishes go out to his family, friends, team, and fans."Owner of Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi:"We're mourning the loss of our driver, friend and colleague. On behalf of our whole team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Tony Renna."Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Ron Green:"Tony was a great young guy. I don't think anyone in the paddock ever had a bad thing to say about Tony."Former Kelley Racing Owner Tom Kelley:"Today is a very sad day for everyone in the Kelley Racing family. Tony was more than a driver for our team; he was a personal friend to everyone involved with Kelley Racing. Our thoughts and prayers right now are with his fiancée, family and friends. Tony will be greatly missed."Penske Racing Team Owner Roger Penske:"On behalf of everyone at Penske Racing, our deepest sympathies go out to Tony's family and friends. Tony left us while pursuing his dream to be successful at the highest level - a dream most of us share. In the racing community, our competitors and teammates become extensions of our families, and Tony will remain in our thoughts and prayers."Former IRL IndyCar Series driver and 1999 Indianapolis 500 Winner Kenny Bräck:"I would like to send my deepest sympathies to his fiancée, Deb, Tony's family, friends and to the Target Chip Ganassi Racing team. Tony was an up-and-coming star in the IndyCar Series, and it is a shame to lose such a talent. He will be greatly missed."Cheever Racing Owner and 1998 Indianapolis 500 Winner Eddie Cheever, Jr.:"All of us at Cheever Racing are deeply saddened with the passing of Tony Renna. He always had a smile on his face and a deep passion for his racing. He was one of the future stars of our sport. His energy and fighting spirit on track will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."Rahal-Letterman Racing Co-Owner and 1986 Indianapolis 500 Winner Bobby Rahal:"Team Rahal is saddened by the loss of Tony Renna, and we send our prayers and support to his family, friends, fans and racing team. Tony was bright, young racer with a tremendous future in motor racing. We will miss him."

ee also

*List of Indianapolis fatalities

External links

* [http://www.indycar.com/stats/driver_stats.php?statYear=2003&driver_id=101&showCareer=1 Renna's Career Stats on the IRL IndyCar Series' Website]
* [http://www.tonyrenna.net/front.htm TonyRenna.net]
*findagrave|8010185

Persondata
NAME = Renna, Tony
ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
SHORT DESCRIPTION = Racecar Driver
DATE OF BIRTH = November 23 1976
PLACE OF BIRTH =
DATE OF DEATH = October 22 2003
PLACE OF DEATH = Indianapolis, Indiana, USA