MERLE BETTENHAUSEN-STILL RACING FOR THE WIN!

[@donfrentzel2739]

Merle put a smile on my face. I'm all caught up now. Didn't get to much done today but it was worth it.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well...thanks for not getting anything done today in favor of my videos! Super nice compliment. Greatly appreciated...HMM

[@mikewalsh2751]

I loved this series. I see mr Bettenhausen a few times a summer at the racetrack, and always wanted to approach him. Never have, because I never had an idea of what to say. Now I know. I can tell him that I admire him.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mike...so appreciated. HMM

[@donolbers9446]

Just now catching up with this installment, it has truly been great spending a day with Merle Bettenhausen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The Bettenhausen story is phenomenal...and who better to tell it than Merle. Thanks Don...

[@jeffreylonnon781]

Thanks for doing this. It was outstanding. And your are right, when you spend a little time with Merle you really do come away thinking your his best friend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Jeffrey! Thanks for watching...

[@ronanderson4118]

Thank you so much for this amazing series of interviews with Merle. I grew up in the 70’s in Pennsylvania surrounded by some of the best sprint car racing I ever witnessed. It was always a thrill when USAc would come to town and Gary was by far my favorite. I used to listen to the 500 on the radio in our family car because it got the best reception and I remember how broken hearted I was when Gary lost after leading for so long. Much like yourself, I am still broken hearted after all these years. I was also devastated when Merle suffered his tragic accident at Michigan. His attitude and outlook on life is truly an inspiration and I cannot thank you enough for sharing his stories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Ron; thanks for taking the time to watch. Your background sounds a lot like mine in many respects. I have so many great memories of seeing USAC races at Williams Grove, Reading, Selinsgrove, Penn National, etc. Happy New Year my friend.

[@glennsloss9326]

GREAT GREAT GREAT JOB ON THESE SERIES. You in my opinion is as valuable a personality realizing your talents and determination to interview and post these Valuable PERSONS with their FABULOUS STORIES of their past and present ....Thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Glenn. Your kind words are so appreciated. HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

Thank you so much HMM for doing this series. Merle didn't spend much time on Tony Jr. maybe because he was quite a bit younger? Regardless Merle's memories and even his life advice are priceless.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Gregg with two G's. And yes...Tony was quite a bit younger. Thanks for your feedback...keep it comin'. HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

No problem HMM. I enjoy commenting on the videos. I know it helps grow your channel. I try not to type a novel every time I comment (so that it doesn't become a full-time job for you just responding to comments), but that can be a challenge for me, especially when it's a topic I'm passionate about. Regardless, I appreciate your responses.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome to contribute here as much and as often as you like...more the merrier...thanks.@@greggrauscher34

[@joshdenk5656]

I love seeing and hearing any storys from the bettenhausen family i got to meet Gary once and visit him out at his house he had me clean out the tracks on his dozer witch i didnt mind doing for him and got to hear first hand gary tell me a story bout his sprint car he had sitting in the garage.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I've always thought the Bettenhausen story is one of the very best in American motorsports. Thanks for checking it out! HMM

[@aveorlando7805]

Another complex yet simplistically humble interview with this man. Great series HMM😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Ave; you know I appreciate it. Welcome home!

[@brucegordon4924]

Thank You History Mystery Man for all of your work in preserving motorsports history in the midwest. This was my favorite, Mr. Merle is A1+ of a gentleman. I listened to the 500 on radio as well growing up in Louisville, and spent many weekend summer evenings at FMS and the Sportsdrome. Also visited Charlestown for my first dirt track race and Salem several times untill the early 80's.Agian Many Thanks for these great videos and memories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Bruce; thanks for taking the time to watch. I am currently the announcer at Salem...come on out! HMM

[@TomSmith-io9uk]

I was luckey to meet Gary a child hood hero of mine from Indy back in 87' when I was working as a Courtsey Driver for Holiday Inn Spokane Wa. I was in Aw of this guy flying from indy to run a Modified race in Spokane wa Home of Tom Sneva. I told him I watched you race at INDY 1973 driving a Penske Mclearen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Gary was amazing...I think one of the most underrated race drivers ever. Thanks for watching Tom; I appreciate you!

[@johntallman1520]

Just discovered this series today, loved it. Will look for more of your videos. Thanks!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your support, John...so appreciated. HMM

[@danchristian7171]

I truly enjoyed this series. Great work!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you Dan...so appreciated. Thanks for commenting!

[@americanopenwheelracing3596]

Thank you for these. So good I'm gonna share them on my channel. It's not the biggest but I love these.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your support! HMM

[@timheidel5849]

Thank you for these videos. I learned a lot.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Tim; thanks for watching!

[@timheidel5849]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I also enjoy your shots from the Toledo area...I have fond memories of visiting there in the 1980s and 1990s. Lots of good places to eat.

[@darinwinebrenner6908]

Awesome to hear from Merle’s heart.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I thought so too; thanks again Darin!

[@gregembrey2947]

This was the greatest,thanks to Merle and You for sharing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Greg...thanks for checking in again!

[@chuckp3742]

Great work enjoyed it. Glad that i got to see Merle race back in the day.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Chuck. I'm glad I got to see both Merle and Gary do their thing. Thanks for your support!

[@michaelbryant7377]

Great work, Don!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Michael...greatly appreciated.

[@michaelbryant7377]

@@HistoryMysteryMan My pleasure, sir!!

[@mountainflyhigh]

Thanks for all the work by both you and Merle putting this together. Question of curiosity - over several hours f discussing the Bettenhausen family, lots of stories about Tony Sr., Merle and Gary, but Tony Jr. is barely mentioned at all. Is there a reason for this?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No particular reason. I guess in part it's because I grew up watching Gary and Merle race. Tony, Jr. would certainly be worth covering for sure...thanks.

[@jeffrivers4735]

Keep the stories coming. Enjoyed this series very much. Thank you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jeff; you know I will!

[@team44racing]

Great story sir!! Thank you!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...and you're welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@scottb.6682]

In his Army photo Merle looks just like his little brother Tony

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

He absolutely does; thanks Scott...appreciate your support.

[@healthyone100]

he has a great argument saying Tony Stewart is the greatest driver of all time every racing series he's raced he's won!

[@alanpeters9241]

Another great story!what is next?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...Dave Darland, all-time USAC Sprint winner, on the way...

[@BryanEberle]

One more thing that is kind of, well is burning in my mind, I know Gary had 3 sons, Merle had 1 son that I know of, I don't think Tony Jr. had any kids, IDK? Did Merle tell or say why none of the 3rd Generation Bettenhausen's didn.t race???

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Tony had kids too. I don't know the answer to your question. If I had to guess I'd say that the Bettenhausen family experienced so much tragedy in the industry, that the next generation opted to go in different directions...

[@BryanEberle]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Understandable, I get it, I was just wondering if he had said something in particular.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@BryanEberle Not that I know of, but I can ask Merle...thanks.

[@BryanEberle]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I'm thinking that's probably A question on alot of people's mind, is why none of the 3rd Gen. Bettenhausen's never raced. But at the same time, my uncle Bob King had 4 sons, not A one of them raced or was even interested in it at all. His youngest son drove like A idiot on the streets but that was about it. My dad Arnold Eberle was A sprint car owner/mech. not A driver, I have 2 brothers, one is Sir William Wiston Weston Prescott III, he thinks he's British Royality and were German like the Bettenhausen's, lol. then there is Brent super modifieds, and me/Bryan Midget, Thunder Roadster's, we have both owned and driven, it was our dad who gave us the ownership thing, and our uncle Bob King that gave us the need to Drive....

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@BryanEberle The thought of driving a race car always terrified me, so I went into the announcing-PR end of the industry. I think in part because I grew up in an era of racing when so many men died doing it...and that had a big effect on my as a little kid...thanks. HMM

[@jimswieringa7094]

i HAVE A PICTURE OF ME SITTING THE 98 IN SUN SITY ARIZONA AT MERLE BALLENGER HOME. I would love to talk to merle about the 98 car. I have info for you on 98 Ballanger special. I use to wash and wax it evertime we visted mr. ballanger.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Be glad to receive that info, Jim...thanks.

[@MrChristopherHaas]

Couldnt agree more about what they are calling Indy car racing nowadays. It’s nothing more than formula 1 wannabes. Take that overseas where it belongs and let’s reform an AMERICAN series. It is noted that the moment things went downhill is when champ dirt cars points were eliminated in 70’. There was something more important that happened that year and his name is Penske.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I don't know about the Penske thing, but I've always thought it was a mistake to take the Champ Dirt Cars out of the national points.

[@rickycampbell8276]

Interview Nelson instead. Tony interviews are a dime a dozen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's actually a really good idea, and I thank you for suggesting it!