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Dale Whittington

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Dale Whittington (September 23, 1959 – June 14, 2003), was an American racing driver. Born in Orlando, Florida, he was the youngest of three Whittington brothers. All three are sons of Dick Whittington, a 1950s race car owner.[1]Dale whittington has 3 sons RD,Dale,Blake

Indy 500

Despite having little oval experience,[1] Whittington entered the 1982 Indianapolis 500, joining his brothers Bill and Don to become the only trio of siblings to qualify for the same race at Indy. He qualified 23rd, on the eighth row.[1]

On race day, he found himself caught up in the infamous Kevin Cogan crash. During the final pace lap, just before the green flag was to drop on the frontstretch, Kevin Cogan struck A. J. Foyt, and then Mario Andretti. As the field checked up to avoid the carnage, Whittington locked his brakes and spun into Roger Mears, a driver in the sixth row. All four drivers were eliminated from the race.[1] Dale was out of the race having never taken the green flag, and never again managed to qualify at Indy. It has been alleged that he was high on cocaine at the time, thus explaining his overreaction to the crash.

Later years

Whittington avoided prison time in connection with the 1980s IMSA Camel GT drug smuggling scandal which involved his brothers (Bill and Don) as well as Randy Lanier, John Paul Sr., and John Paul, Jr. Both of his brothers received prison time.[citation needed]

Whittington transitioned to endurance racing, competing in the ALMS series, as well as competing at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 and 2000. He competed in Grand-Am in 2001 often racing with his brother, Don.

During his final years Whittington was working at World Jet owned by his brother Don at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport(FXE). His death came on June 14, 2003. He was found dead by his oldest son.

Motorsports career results

American Open Wheel racing results

(key)

Complete USAC Mini-Indy Series results

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pos Points
1979 United States
TEX1
United States
IRP
United States
MIL1
United States
POC
United States
TEX2
6
United States
MIL2
12
United States
MIN1
3
United States
MIN2
21
14th 233

Indianapolis 500

Year Chassis Engine Start Finish Entrant
1982 March Engineering Cosworth DFX 23 33 Whittington Bros. Racing

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

(key)

Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1980 United States Whittington Bros. Racing United States Don Whittington
United States Hurley Haywood
Porsche 935 IMSA 151 37th 11th
1981 Germany Joest Racing Germany Reinhold Joest
Germany Klaus Niedzwiedz
Porsche 908 S+2.0 60 39th 10th

References