Tony Bettenhausen

Tony Bettenhausen (September 12, 1916 - May 12, 1961): Born Melvin Eugene Bettenhausen in Tinley Park, Illinois, this legendary American racing driver became one of the most accomplished and respected figures in post-war American open-wheel racing, though he never achieved his ultimate dream of winning the Indianapolis 500. Bettenhausen's racing career was marked by extraordinary consistency, determination, and success across multiple forms of American motorsport. He twice captured the National Championship, winning titles in both 1951 and 1958 - achievements that placed him among the elite of American racing. His 1951 championship season was particularly dominant, as he set a record for the most championship race wins in a single season with eight victories in just 15 events, a stunning display of superiority that showcased his versatility and speed across different circuits.

Throughout his career, Bettenhausen won 21 Championship races after 1946, a tally that places him 14th on the all-time list and speaks to his sustained excellence over more than a decade of competition. He competed in the Indianapolis 500 fourteen times between 1946 and 1961, consistently running at the front but never quite achieving victory at the Brickyard. His best results included a second-place finish in 1955 (co-driving with Paul Russo) and two fourth-place finishes, demonstrating that he had the speed to win but was denied by the cruel luck that often defines the Indianapolis 500. His participation in the race during the 1950s made him an official Formula One competitor when the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship.

Bettenhausen's career came to a tragic end on May 12, 1961, during practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was testing the Stearly Motor Freight Special for his friend Paul Russo when disaster struck. An anchor bolt fell off the front radius rod support, causing the front axle to twist and misalign the front wheels when Bettenhausen applied the brakes. The car smashed into the outside wall and then rolled 325 feet along the barrier.

Bettenhausen died instantly in the violent crash, never regaining consciousness. He was 44 years old. Investigation revealed the mechanical failure that caused the accident, a cruel twist of fate for one of racing's most careful and professional competitors.