Gary Bettenhausen, one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in American motorsports history, passed away on March 16, 2014, at the age of 72. He was a champion in sprint cars, midgets, dirt cars, and Indy cars, and a fearless competitor who never gave up on his dream of winning the Indianapolis 500. His cause of death was not officially announced, but he had been suffering from health issues for several years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.
A Family Legacy of Racing
Gary Bettenhausen was born on November 18, 1941, in Blue Island, Illinois, as the oldest son of Tony Bettenhausen, a legendary racer who won four USAC national championships and competed in 14 Indianapolis 500 races. Gary grew up around racing and followed his father’s footsteps, along with his brothers Tony Jr. and Merle. All three of them raced in the Indy 500, but also faced tragedies and challenges in their careers.
Tony Sr. was killed in a practice crash at Indianapolis in 1961, when Gary was 19 years old. Merle lost his arm in a fiery crash at Michigan in 1972, in his first Champ Car start. Tony Jr. and his wife were killed in a plane crash in 2000, while he was a successful team owner in CART. Gary himself suffered a severe injury in 1974, when he crashed in a dirt car race at Syracuse, New York, and paralyzed his left arm. He also endured several other accidents and injuries, but never quit racing.
A Versatile and Determined Driver
Gary Bettenhausen started his racing career in USAC stock cars, but soon moved up to sprint cars and midgets, where he became a dominant force. He won the USAC sprint car championship in 1969 and 1971, and the USAC midget car championship in 1967 and 1970. He also won prestigious races such as the Turkey Night Grand Prix, the Astro Grand Prix, and the Hut Hundred. He was known for his aggressive and spectacular driving style, often sliding and spinning his cars on dirt tracks.
He also excelled in Indy cars, winning six USAC races and finishing fifth in the national championship in 1979. He made 21 starts in the Indy 500, from 1968 to 1993, with a best finish of third in 1980. He also won the USAC dirt car championship in 1980 and 1983, proving his versatility and skill in different types of cars. He was admired by his peers and fans for his determination and passion for racing, despite his physical limitations and lack of resources.
A Dream Unfulfilled
Gary Bettenhausen’s greatest ambition was to win the Indy 500, a race that eluded his father and his brothers. He came close to achieving his dream in 1972, when he drove for Roger Penske and led 138 laps, until his engine failed with 18 laps to go. He was fired by Penske in 1974, after his dirt car accident, and never got another top ride in Indy cars. He continued to race in the Indy 500 with underfunded teams, often qualifying on the last row and finishing in the middle of the pack.
His last chance to win the Indy 500 came in 1991, when he qualified sixth and led 12 laps, until his ignition failed with 16 laps to go. He finished 17th, but received a standing ovation from the crowd for his spirited performance. He retired from racing in 1996, after failing to qualify for the Indy 500. He remained involved in racing as a mentor and a commentator, and was inducted into several halls of fame. He was also honored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a bronze plaque in 2012.
Gary Bettenhausen was a racing legend who embodied the spirit and tradition of the Indy 500. He was a loyal and generous person, who loved his family and his fans. He was a fierce and fearless driver, who never gave up on his dream. He was a true racer, who lived and died for the sport he loved. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
