Payday
Tony Bettenhausen’s Kurtis Novi, such a pretty car, at the 1957 Indy 500. The American driver started 22nd and finished 15th (picture above). Tony’s best result at the Indy 500 was second in 1955.
Sam Hanks (1914-1994) won the 1957 Indianapolis 500 in his thirteenth attempt. He received a record $103,844 purse, the first driver to win a $100,000+ single-race payday.
After WW 11, Hanks captured the 1946 United Racing Association (URA) Blue Circuit Championship. He was the 1949 National Midget champion and won the 1956 Pacific Coast championship in the USAC Nascar.
Hanks considered retiring following the 1956 Indianapolis 500, but agreed to return for the 1957 race. He would win at his 13th attempt (picture below) and announced his retirement from racing in Victory Circle.