Born in 1916 in Tinley Park,
Illinois, Melvin Eugene Betten-hausen started his racing
career in 1937 with the help of Emil Andres. He became known
as the “Tinley Park Express” in honor of his hometown and
became one of America’s most popular and successful drivers.
He fathered three sons who carried on the family tradition of
trying to win the “big one” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
where Tony lost his life in 1961.
Tony became a part of the
famous “Chicago Gang” that terrorized tracks in the Midwest
and on the East Coast while teamed with Duke Nalon. He loved
racing midgets and competed in them throughout his career. In
1960 he won the 100-mile midget race at Milwaukee and placed
second at DuQuoin.
He won the “Turkey Night” classic in 1959 and the “Hut
Hundred” in 1955 and 1956. He was the Milwaukee Track Champion
in 1942, ’46 and ’47 and the Chicago Raceway Park Champion in
1941, ’42 and ’47.
The National Driving Champion in both 1951 and 1958
raced at Indianapolis on 14 occasions. His best finish was 2nd
in 1955.
