Gary Bettenhausen Dies: Sprint Racing Hall Of Fame Legend Was 72
Gary Bettenhausen died Sunday afternoon at the age of 72 in his home, surrounded by his family. There had not been reports of an illness, but his death appeared to be expected. Gary Bettenhausen was one of the most respected racers in American history.
Condolonces to the family and friends of 21 time Indy 500 starter Gary Bettenhausen. He passed away peacefully this afternoon.
— Jake Query (@jakequery) March 17, 2014
Like so many other racing families, the Bettenhausen family had a tradition of being on (and off) the track. Gary’s father, Tony Bettenhausen, started the Indianapolis 500 14-times, never winning but finishing in second place in 1955. Both of Gary’s brothers Tony Jr., who died in a tragic plane crash in 2000, and Merle, are also well known in the racing world. The Bettenhausen family holds the honor of starting the most Indianapolis 500’s by one family.
Rest in Peace Gary Bettenhausen. Indy will forever miss you. pic.twitter.com/ZlDq8MRCeD
— Roger Poindexter (@rpdexter22) March 17, 2014
The death of Gary Bettenhausen is an opportunity to reflect on the life of an all-american racing legend. Gary started in 21 Indianapolis 500’s, making his best finish in 1980. That year, Bettehausen managed to go from 32nd to a 3rd place finish in the field of 33. Many believe Bettenhausen would have won the 1972 Indianapolis 500 if it hadn’t been for a mechanical failure on with just a few laps to go.
Gary Bettenhausen was one of the generation of drivers who could jump from sprint car to Indy car. Nearly won ’72 500 driving for Penske.
— Jade Gurss (@JadeGurss) March 17, 2014
Gary Bettenhausen was known as a fearless racer with the special ability to drive almost anything. Besides competing in the Indianapolis 500, Gary is in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He also competed in eight NASCAR Winston Cup events, finishing in the top ten in half of those. Gary is most known for his Sprint cup racing, where he almost died in several accidents. One accident in 1974 caused his left arm to become mostly paralyzed and an accident in 1990 almost ended his career and his life.
But Gary Bettenhause was not ready to die just yet and competed in racing for another four years before failing to qualify for his final Indianapolis 500 in 1994. The racing community was stunned and saddened by his passing.
With passing of Gary Bettenhausen, another link to a special era of Motorsports is gone. Great memories!!
— Gary Gerould (@ggerould) March 17, 2014
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a TRUE racing legend Gary Bettenhausen #RIPGARYB#indy500#Indycar
— Kristian Branch (@K_Branch21) March 17, 2014
The racing world has lost another legend in Gary Bettenhausen, who passed away at the age of 72.
[Image via Diecast.org]
