Melvin Eugene "Tony" Bettenhausen was an American racing driver known primarily for his open-wheel career.
21 Facts About Tony Bettenhausen
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Tony Bettenhausen twice won the National Championship, doing so in 1951 and 1958.
3.
Tony Bettenhausen was nicknamed "Tunney" after heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney.
4.
Tony Bettenhausen was part of the midget car "Chicago Gang" with Emil Andres, Cowboy O'Rourke, Paul Russo, Jimmy Snyder, and Wally Zale.
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Tony Bettenhausen won the track championship at the Milwaukee Mile in 1942,1946, and 1947.
6.
Tony Bettenhausen was the Chicago Raceway Park champion in 1941,1942, and 1947.
7.
Tony Bettenhausen won the 1959 Turkey Night Grand Prix, and the Hut Hundred in 1955 and 1956.
8.
Tony Bettenhausen finished in the top ten 74 times, with 21 victories.
9.
Tony Bettenhausen won the National Championship in 1951 after recording eight victories and two second-place finishes in fourteen events.
10.
Tony Bettenhausen announced his retirement from all racing but the Indianapolis 500 after the season.
11.
Tony Bettenhausen decided to return full-time for the 1954 season.
12.
Tony Bettenhausen was involved in a midget car wreck in Chicago, suffering head injuries after striking a concrete wall.
13.
Tony Bettenhausen prearranged to co-drive with Chicago Gang friend Paul Russo in the 1955 Indianapolis 500.
14.
In 1958, Tony Bettenhausen became the first driver to claim the National Championship without a win.
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Tony Bettenhausen was assured the title with a second-place finish at Phoenix.
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Tony Bettenhausen finished second in the national championship to Rodger Ward in 1959.
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Tony Bettenhausen participated in all 11 World Drivers' Championship races held at Indianapolis.
18.
Tony Bettenhausen finished in the top three once, and set one fastest leader lap.
19.
Tony Bettenhausen was killed in a May 12,1961 crash at Indianapolis while testing a Stearly Motor Freight Special vehicle for Paul Russo.
20.
Merle Tony Bettenhausen is his sole surviving son as of 2025.
21.
Tony Bettenhausen has been inducted into the following halls of fame:.