Age, Biography and Wiki
Tony Bettenhausen (Melvin Eugene Bettenhausen) was born on 12 September, 1916 in Tinley Park, Illinois, is an American racing driver (1916–1961). Discover Tony Bettenhausen's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 44 years old?
| Popular As |
Melvin Eugene Bettenhausen |
| Occupation |
N/A |
| Age |
44 years old |
| Zodiac Sign |
Virgo |
| Born |
12 September 1916 |
| Birthday |
12 September |
| Birthplace |
Tinley Park, Illinois |
| Date of death |
12 May, 1961 |
| Died Place |
N/A |
| Nationality |
United States
|
We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 12 September.
He is a member of famous driver with the age 44 years old group.
Tony Bettenhausen Height, Weight & Measurements
At 44 years old, Tony Bettenhausen height not available right now. We will update Tony Bettenhausen's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.
| Physical Status |
| Height |
Not Available |
| Weight |
Not Available |
| Body Measurements |
Not Available |
| Eye Color |
Not Available |
| Hair Color |
Not Available |
Dating & Relationship status
He is currently single. He is not dating anyone. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. According to our Database, He has no children.
| Family |
| Parents |
Not Available |
| Wife |
Not Available |
| Sibling |
Not Available |
| Children |
Not Available |
Tony Bettenhausen Net Worth
His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Tony Bettenhausen worth at the age of 44 years old? Tony Bettenhausen’s income source is mostly from being a successful driver. He is from United States. We have estimated Tony Bettenhausen's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.
| Net Worth in 2024 |
$1 Million - $5 Million |
| Salary in 2024 |
Under Review |
| Net Worth in 2023 |
Pending |
| Salary in 2023 |
Under Review |
| House |
Not Available |
| Cars |
Not Available |
| Source of Income |
driver |
Tony Bettenhausen Social Network
| Instagram |
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| Linkedin |
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| Twitter |
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| Facebook |
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| Wikipedia |
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| Imdb |
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Timeline
Melvin Eugene "Tony" Bettenhausen (September 12, 1916 – May 12, 1961) was an American racing driver known primarily for his open-wheel career.
He was the Chicago Raceway Park champion in 1941, 1942, and 1947.
He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1941 and 1946-1961 seasons with 121 starts, including 14 in the Indianapolis 500.
He finished in the top ten 74 times, with 21 victories.
Bettenhausen won the track championship at the Milwaukee Mile in 1942, 1946, and 1947.
In October 1950, he was involved in a race in Sacramento, California, when his car locked wheels with another racer's car, causing a crash through the guard rail, resulting in fatal injuries to spectator Peter Bernard Stuberak, and injuries to two other spectators.
The AAA/USAC-sanctioned Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Drivers' Championship from 1950 through 1960.
Drivers competing at Indianapolis during those years were credited with World Drivers' Championship points and participation in addition to those which they received towards the AAA/USAC National Championship.
Bettenhausen participated in all 11 Indianapolis 500s included on the World Drivers' Championship calendar from 1950 through 1960.
He finished in the top three once, recorded one fastest lap, and accumulated 11 World Drivers' Championship points.
He twice won the National Championship, doing so in 1951 and 1958.
He also competed in stock cars, winning under AAA and USAC sanction.
Bettenhausen was nicknamed the "Tinley Park Express" in honor of his hometown.
He was nicknamed "Tunney" after heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney.
"Tunney" later became "Tony."
Bettenhausen was part of the midget car "Chicago Gang" with Emil Andres, Cowboy O'Rourke, Paul Russo, Jimmy Snyder, and Wally Zale.
They toured tracks in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.
He won the National Championship in 1951 after recording eight victories and two second-place finishes in fourteen events.
He announced his retirement from all racing but the Indianapolis 500 after the season.
He decided to return full-time for the 1954 season.
He was involved in a midget car wreck in Chicago, suffering head injuries after striking a concrete wall.
He was in critical condition for several days.
He prearranged to co-drive with Chicago Gang friend Paul Russo in the 1955 Indianapolis 500.
In 1958 he became the first driver to win the national championship without a win.
He was assured the title with a second-place finish at Phoenix.
He won the 1959 Turkey Night Grand Prix, and the Hut Hundred in 1955 and 1956.
He finished second in the national championship to Rodger Ward in 1959.
Bettenhausen was killed in a May 12, 1961 crash at Indianapolis while testing a Stearly Motor Freight Special vehicle for Paul Russo.
The car smashed into the outside wall of the track and then rolled 325 ft along the barrier.
The car came to rest in a grassy plot between the wall and Grandstand A, with the tail of the car on fire.
Results showed the accident was caused by an anchor bolt which fell off the front radius rod support, allowing the front axle to twist and misalign the front wheels when the brakes were applied, which drove the car into the wall.
Bettenhausen died instantly.
Bettenhausen has been inducted into the following halls of fame:
(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
