RACER: Robin Miller's Toughest Drivers Series - Gary Bettenhausen

He lost the use of his left arm and ride with Roger Penske in the same 1974 accident but Gary Bettenhausen epitomized toughness and he came back from those setbacks to stay competitive for the next 20 years.
A two-time USAC sprint champion before his injury, Bettenhausen changed his driving style to compensate for his injury and captured a pair of USAC Silver Crown titles by parlaying his savvy and smoothness behind the wheel.
Robbed of a sure victory in the 1972 Indy 500 while running for Penske, Bettenhausen's true grit really showed in 1980 when he started 32nd and charged to third place at the track that claimed his father in 1961.
"The Schmuck" (nickname courtesy of best pal Bill Vukovich) was inspiring for four decades and RACER's Robin Miller reflects on his colorful career.
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[@mountcomfort740]

RIP Robin May will never be the same without you

[@davestampe3835]

I met Lee when I was only 21 years old as a sales rep. I called on him at his Chevrolet dealership in Guttenberg, Iowa. The year was around 1976, shortly after his horrible sprint car crash. I have never forgotten him, he was one of the neatest guys I have ever had the honor of meeting. I just ran across this short video of Lee. A true racer and gentleman. Although I did not know Lee personally, when I met him he inspired me to believe in myself and have never forgotten him. Thank you Lee for taking time in your busy day to meet with me way back then. You truly changed my life!

[@raymondparsons610]

I'm addicted Robin ! Thanks for bringing back the good old days of racing, and the Giants that made the sport ! Salute to Gary ABSOLUTELY !

[@S_marengo]

Damn I miss this guy

[@LNJMedia]

Miss Him a lot , I watched in the Champ cars at Sacramento back when I was a Kid , Amazing talent and one heck of a fun guy to talk to after the races. The King of USAC Gary B!

[@brodyent121]

Thanks Robin, I love your reporting, passion for open wheel racing, and this series is great! Keep it up and thanks again!

[@wallybell3255]

RIP Gary

[@jimheckert5383]

Robin your the best. Thanks

[@jayjackson597]

thanks Robin for another great look behind the scenes, love ya bro

[@georgegould667]

Thanks Robin , keep them coming

[@healthyone100]

LOVE IT!

[@gregj831]

Damn Robin, that was awesome bro! Like yourself I could go on and on about Gary. Its impossible to stick to one story about the guy but I'll try. It was a Saturday night sprint car race at Eldora and I recall that all the hot dogs were there. I cannot remember exactly what year it was but it had to be shortly after his return to racing following the Syracuse wreck. The feature that night had a ton of the guys who had just run the 500 and I remember that like half the top ten of that year's 500 were in the feature. The race was a war and Gary fought like hell for a 7th place finish. Obviously that finish wasn't up to Gary's standards. Immediately after the race he retreats to the back of his trailer for a cold one. I was just a kid and I go walking right into that trailer and Gary's sitting there with his head down and I startle him and he looks up and his face is beat red and soaked in sweat. I say "how's your arm Gary?" He looks at me sort of disbelievingly, then smiles and says "it is fine, thank you for asking." Easily one of the greatest race car drivers of his time.

[@dono1716]

Great story thank you.

[@HJBounell]

funny how many ultra-successful racers "we would never have heard of if idiots hadn't been stupid"

[@wellblowmedown7645]

Great education. Just a little before my times of remembering races attended as youngster. Pops packing us up and heading to Cleamont. O just dwn road to an old dirt track just outside of Parkerburg In. You have any history of the track. Late 60s we used to attend stock car races there. Used to be some good crowds and I guess some talented local Hoosiers. Maybe even Tony or others alike. Couriasity is killing the cat. Ray Godsey only name I remember.??? Tks

[@donbigelow2597]

Tom Bigelow ??

[@KimiWallrus]

Rest in Infamy