Sergio Santander "El Loco" Benavente (5 March 1954. - 26 September 1987.) was Chilean racing driver who died in a heavily crash during Chilean F3 race at Las Vizcachas in Santiago. Santander won Chilean Formula 3 national championship in 1981, when it was called Formula 4.
In trying to make an overtaking maneuver over Gonzalo Alcalde, Santander right rear wheel struck the left front wheel of Alcandes car, inexplicably hooked impacting violently against a brick wall at 192 km / h, where Santander was the biggest loser on rising cockpit covering your car being discovered the passenger compartment (at the bottom, was hit with iron bars that made up the structure of your car), being trapped for 35 minutes between twisted iron, under the eyes of pilots, mechanics, managers, fans and her mother, Mrs. Berta, pleading that saved his son, all somehow they tried to help her rescue, first aid realizing you. Upon being rescued and fighting against time, was sent by helicopter to the Clinica Las Condes , but unfortunately died on the way to hospital due to cardiac arrest result of the serious injuries.
The following day, the pilots will provide a first tribute to the clarion are receiving condolences her mother, Mrs. Berta. At the end of that year, the last date took place and the grand prize is in honor of him, and was receiving another honor this time his wife Veronica Saba received condolences from family Formula Three.
At the end of the season, it was located on the third "post mortem" with 37 points (last 3 points that got in his life that fateful September 26) and the following year is given the "Sergio Santander Benavente" award sportsmanship that in 1992 won Gonzalo Alcalde, the pilot who was involved in the accident with Sergio.
Sergio Santander had a very particular handling race style, which seemed to take the first few laps as if they were in the past, performing spectacular overtaking maneuvers and was insistent upon outdo their rivals, where harassed her rival (automovilísticamente speaking) to achieve their goal. This style of management is to this day remembered by fans for giving a great show.
Since 2000 , the speedway located in his native Arica, is named as a tribute
