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September 1, 2009

Trackside: TH racing greats return to reminisce, look to future of the sport

By Joe Buckles

It was as if the clock had been turned back 30 to 40 years. There they were the true legends of USAC racing assembled once again in Terre Haute.

Although they were a short distance from where many enjoyed their finest times behind the wheel of a sprint, midget or Silver Crown car it was as if they had just exited the cockpit of their machines at the Action Track.

For one memorable afternoon the true greats of the Action Track gathered to share stories of times spent competing at the local half-mile clay oval.

As they entered a crowded meeting room last Thursday, the feel of camaraderie abounded. The days of intense competition was now a thing of the past and it was time to renew friendships and swap stories that will only grow bigger and better with each passing day.

The informal luncheon hosted by Don Smith and sponsored by Jim Mills drew an overflow turnout of the finest driving talent that probably gathered on any given day in the city so rich in racing tradition.

Included in the band of 25 drivers were the racing greats Jack Hewitt, Gary Bettenhausen, Larry Dickson, Johnny Rutherford, Pancho Carter, Ken Schrader, Mel Kenyon, Joe Saldana and Tom Bigelow, to name only a few.

Following a photo session and lunch, the gathering of more than 50 that included everyone from former driving champions, mechanics, car owners and media made a tour of Don Smith’s immaculate collection of racing machinery and memorabilia.

Along the way the stories were shared of the proud times spent competing whether it had been in the Hulman Classic, Hut Hundred or SUMAR Classics.

Yes, time had taken a toll on some. The visible scars of injuries suffered while competing in one of the most dangerous forms of racing were still there. Still, they remained highly recognizable to those who followed their careers over the years.

Hewitt, ever the jokester, took charge most of the day, and Bettenhausen jumped at the opportunity to swap tales with long-time rival Dickson. Rutherford, still the constant pro, Bigelow with his customary wide and warm smile and Saldana, the quiet, unassuming competitor who always let his driving do his talking.

For Smith, the ultimate promoter who made it possible for the many great years of racing at the Action Track, still found time to savor the moment amid all the hustle and flurry of the day .

Mills of Turbines Inc., who spent countless hours enjoying the racing exploits of the racing greats probably summed it up the best. “I’m probably the big winner of the day. Getting to share times with these guys is something few get the opportunity to do. I don’t think you could ask for a better time.

n Wins abound — Of the 25 drivers on hand, 14 were former Action Track feature winners. With Bettenhausen and Hewitt leading the way with 10 USAC checkered flags locally.

Other former winners included Carter (5), Rutherford, Billy Englehart, Saldana and Bigelow two each and Steve Chassey, Mel Kenyon, Charlie Masters. Larry Dickson, Billy Vukovich and Brad Marvel one each.

n Looking back — Gary Bettenhausen took time to reflect on the past and look to the future of his sport. Gary still resides near Monrovia dealing in “development properties” near his home.

The normally reserved 500 veteran opened up on a variety of subjects surrounding the sport that had offered the best and worst of times for the legendary Bettenhausen family.

Only Gary and brother Merle remain of the family that left an indelible mark in open wheel racing. Gary noted that Merle still lives in the Indianapolis area working for the Ray Skillman automotive group.

When asked to give his assessment of the current state of racing, Gary offered a less-than-complimentary assessment of times for present day drivers.

“Today’s drivers are nothing more than programed robots. I don’t know how they can concentrate on their driving. There are so many outside factors within the sport they have to deal with today,” offered the outspoken Bettenhausen.

He discounts the belief that his career was shortened and less productive due to a near career-ending crash in a champ dirt car at Syracuse, N.Y., at a time when he had a much sought after Indy car ride with Roger Penske.

In fact, he feels he was as good if not better behind the wheel of a race car following the accident that left him with limited use of an arm and hand.

“If you check the records I had more wins after the accident than I did before. If anything I learned to drive more smoothly. Not try to manhandle a car. I have no regrets,” he added.

Of his 10 checkered flags at the Action Track, Bettenhausen says one still stands out today. “It was my first win after Syracuse. I think I beat Sheldon [Kinser] by less than a car length here at Terre Haute. It showed a lot of people I could still drive a race car,” he fondly recalled.

On today’s lucrative driver contracts and rich purses, Bettenhausen begrudges no one.

“Back in our days you had to be smart. If you had a good year you learned to put in the bank just as if you were having a bad year. You had to save. I was lucky my wife was good to look after that side of racing for me.”

He says he makes it to the race track maybe once or twice a year.

“I may go to the Chili Bowl or Bristol. I try to stay out of the way. Make room for the new kids. The sport belongs to them now,” Bettenhausen said.



Joe Buckles can be reached at jbuckles4@verizon.net

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