GARY BETTENHAUSEN - USAC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012

The eldest son of Tony Bettenhausen's three racing sons, Gary Bettenhausen 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 among the most prolific racers in the history of the club 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.  Gary Bettenhausen passed away on March 16, 2014, at the age of 72.