Merle is a very nice man. He is always at the memorabilia show during Indy weekend interacting with the fans. He also wrote a great book that’s worth reading. A couple of years ago I met him at Indy. He spent several minutes with me talking racing and he signed a copy of his book for me.
Loved this video. Merle told the story about how Gary was supposed to run the Matador at Daytona instead of running the champ dirt car at Syracuse on a podcast I listened to a couple years a go, but it isn't common knowledge. That whole situation was very cruel. Hearing the brutal honesty in this video from Merle about how bad Gary's injuries actually were and how much it affected his ability to drive an Indycar is interesting and even a bit surprising. It attests to how talented and especially tough (even by 1960's and 70's USAC standards) Gary B. was.
No doubt...Gary was literally a one-armed bandit...his injured arm could be fastened to the wheel but there was little to no use in it. His 3rd-place finish at Indy (I think 1980?) in a shit-box from the rear of the field was amazing! HMM
I was too young to remember the 1980 race, but it was an amazing run from what I learned about it. I was always hoping that the Menards Buick powered cars Gary drove at the end of his career would be his ticket to an Indy win. One year he was the fastest qualifier (wasn't on pole day sadly) but reliability and race pace were never really there. I think Big Al's run to 3rd in 1992 for that team was the only really good finish the Buick ever got at Indy.
Gary was one of the best in open wheel. As a kid growing a few miles from Salem, I always went to watch him with my grandpa. One thing we was always amazed at everyone would back off going into turns 3 and 4. But not Gary, he kept his foot on it. Like you said Don outside of the car he seemed nervous but never in the car. And my grandpa always liked Tony and respected him. I was 2 when Tony died helping Paul Russo out so all I know what I was told or videos of him. One of the best racing families ever.
Thanks Jeff; we must be about the same age. The Bettenhausen story has always been so compelling to me. I have a great deal of respect for Tony, Sr. and his three sons. Combined, their story is one of the best in all of motorsports.
Thank you sir for the great videos,,,, love racing history, would love to see you talk to red farmer one day before he retires! I bet he would have some great stories
These interviews are very interesting. As a youngster from St Louis I got to sit in a room with Paul Russo. I was just starting to learn about the Indy 500. Also in the room were several older guys who were asking what it was like to be a racer. Ever since then, I was a Russo fan. I did know Russo and Bettenhausen were pals, so Tony's death had an impact on me. I still have the news clipping.
Interesting. I've always been fascinated with the Bettenhausen story. When I was 11 years old, my dad and I had lunch with Paul Russo and Mauri Rose...still have their autographs from that day. Thanks Don! HMM
Merle speaking from the heart....even in difficult life situations. Pure gold Don. Thank you for sharing.
You got it Darin; thanks, as always...
Great heart to this amazing sequel. Thanks for the genuine honest sentiment to this kind mind.
Thanks Ave; I really appreciate you!
Don this is great , I cant get enough, cant wait for part 4 , thanks for sharing.
Thanks again, Greg; I really appreciate your support. Part 4 coming soon!
Merle is a very nice man. He is always at the memorabilia show during Indy weekend interacting with the fans. He also wrote a great book that’s worth reading. A couple of years ago I met him at Indy. He spent several minutes with me talking racing and he signed a copy of his book for me.
I sure enjoyed my conversation with Merle, and yes, he is a very nice man. Thanks Jeffrey...for taking the time to check out the video!
and I also idolized Gary B. My hero.....and pieces of that 1974 story with Penske were things I never knew.
I learned a bunch in that interview too...thanks Darin.
Loved this video. Merle told the story about how Gary was supposed to run the Matador at Daytona instead of running the champ dirt car at Syracuse on a podcast I listened to a couple years a go, but it isn't common knowledge. That whole situation was very cruel. Hearing the brutal honesty in this video from Merle about how bad Gary's injuries actually were and how much it affected his ability to drive an Indycar is interesting and even a bit surprising. It attests to how talented and especially tough (even by 1960's and 70's USAC standards) Gary B. was.
No doubt...Gary was literally a one-armed bandit...his injured arm could be fastened to the wheel but there was little to no use in it. His 3rd-place finish at Indy (I think 1980?) in a shit-box from the rear of the field was amazing! HMM
I was too young to remember the 1980 race, but it was an amazing run from what I learned about it. I was always hoping that the Menards Buick powered cars Gary drove at the end of his career would be his ticket to an Indy win. One year he was the fastest qualifier (wasn't on pole day sadly) but reliability and race pace were never really there. I think Big Al's run to 3rd in 1992 for that team was the only really good finish the Buick ever got at Indy.
Great Great video!GARY B. Was a tuff son of a man i was sophomore in hi school during Kent can't wait for part 4
Thanks Alan; I really appreciate you.
🚘🚘🚘 thanks, as always
You're welcome, as always!
Gary was one of the best in open wheel. As a kid growing a few miles from Salem, I always went to watch him with my grandpa. One thing we was always amazed at everyone would back off going into turns 3 and 4. But not Gary, he kept his foot on it. Like you said Don outside of the car he seemed nervous but never in the car. And my grandpa always liked Tony and respected him. I was 2 when Tony died helping Paul Russo out so all I know what I was told or videos of him. One of the best racing families ever.
Thanks Jeff; we must be about the same age. The Bettenhausen story has always been so compelling to me. I have a great deal of respect for Tony, Sr. and his three sons. Combined, their story is one of the best in all of motorsports.
Nice Video.
Thanks!
Thank you sir for the great videos,,,, love racing history, would love to see you talk to red farmer one day before he retires! I bet he would have some great stories
Now that's a great idea! Thanks for the idea...and thanks for watching!
These interviews are very interesting. As a youngster from St Louis I got to sit in a room with Paul Russo. I was just starting to learn about the Indy 500. Also in the room were several older guys who were asking what it was like to be a racer. Ever since then, I was a Russo fan. I did know Russo and Bettenhausen were pals, so Tony's death had an impact on me. I still have the news clipping.
Interesting. I've always been fascinated with the Bettenhausen story. When I was 11 years old, my dad and I had lunch with Paul Russo and Mauri Rose...still have their autographs from that day. Thanks Don! HMM
Kids can be so mean.
I hate Nascar car but i always love Bobby allison!