Tony Renna
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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 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 was killed instantly.
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[edit] 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 20th, 2002 when he was driving for Al Unser Jr., while Unser was in alcohol rehabilitation after his arrest on July 9th. 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.
[edit] IRL Race Results
Tony finished 5 out of the 7 races he ran, which gets harder and harder to do in the IndyCar Series. Only the elite teams finish cars race after race.
[edit] 2002 IRL Season
| Date | Track | Sponsor | Car No. | Chassis | Engine | Tires | Start | Finish | Qual. Speed | Laps Completed | Laps Led | Status | Earnings | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, July 20th, 2002 | Nashville Superspeedway | Corteco / Bryant | 7 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 14th | 10th | 201.901 | 195 | 35 | Running | $46,100 | 20 |
| Sunday, July 28th, 2002 | Michigan International Speedway | Corteco / Bryant | 7 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 10th | 4th | 218.561 | 200 | 3 | Running | $56,400 | 32 |
| Sunday, August 11th, 2002 | Kentucky Speedway | Kruse Special | 78 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 12th | 7th | 219.156 | 200 | 0 | Running | $23,200 | 26 |
| Sunday, August 25th, 2002 | Gateway International Raceway | Kruse Special | 78 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 11th | 24th | 172.496 | 9 | 0 | Electrical | $10,600 | 6 |
| Sunday, September 8th, 2002 | Chicagoland Speedway | Kruse Special | 78 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 17th | 15th | 219.848 | 153 | 0 | Accident | $15,100 | 15 |
| Sunday, September 15th, 2002 | Texas Motor Speedway | Kruse Special | 78 | Dallara | Chevrolet | Firestone | 6th | 9th | 219.177 | 199 | 0 | Running | $20,700 | 22 |
[edit] 2002 IRL Season Summary
| Starts | Wins | Top 5 | Top 10 | Poles | Laps Led | Running At Finish | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 38 | 4 | $172,100 |
[edit] 2003 IRL IndyCar Series Season
| Date | Track | Sponsor | Car No. | Chassis | Engine | Tires | Start | Finish | Qual. Speed | Laps Completed | Laps Led | Status | Earnings | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, May 25th, 2003 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Cure Autism Now / HomeMed | 32 | Dallara | Toyota | Firestone | 8th | 7th | 228.765 | 200 | 0 | Running | $206,315 | 26 |
[edit] 2003 IRL Season Summary
| Starts | Wins | Top 5 | Top 10 | Poles | Laps Led | Running At Finish | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | $206,315 |
[edit] Death
On the night of October 21st, 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 nice and cool. On Tony's 4th lap, he was driving approximately 218 mph, possibly 225 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.
[edit] 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 Brack
- 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.
- 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."
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."
