GARY BETTENHAUSEN, 72

The eldest son of Tony Bettenhausen's three racing sons, Gary Bettenhausen passed away Sunday night in Monrovia, Ind. at the age of 72. One of the 2012 inaugural inductees into the USAC Hall of Fame, Gary won four USAC National Championships during his storied career. He was the 1969 and 1971 National Sprint Car Champion and the 1980 and 1983 Silver Crown king. He ranks sixth on USAC's all-time list of National race winners with 82 total victories. A 21-time veteran of the Indianapolis 500, Gary nearly won the 1972 race and finished third in 1980 after coming from 32nd starting position! A member of the National Sprint Car and National Midget Halls of Fame, he scored significant wins in the inaugural Astro Grand Prix Midget race in the Houston Astrodome, the Turkey Night Grand Prix, the Hut Hundred and numerous other major USAC events. USAC extends its sincerest condolences to the entire Bettenhausen family. The services will be at Jones Family Mortuary at 4165 E. Allison Rd. in Mooresville, Ind., located on State Route 67. Visitation is from 3-6 pm Saturday, with a memorial service at 7 pm.