ElmerGeorge

Early Career and Ascent in American Racing

Elmer Ray George, born on July 15, 1928, in Hockerville, Oklahoma, embarked on a significant career in American motorsport that saw him compete across various high-profile series. His journey through the ranks of racing established him as a formidable competitor, particularly in the open-wheel disciplines that defined much of the era. George's early career was marked by his participation in the highly competitive AAA and, subsequently, the USAC Championship Car series, which were the pinnacle of American oval racing. Demonstrating his versatility and raw talent, George achieved a notable milestone early in his career by securing the 1957 USAC Sprint Car Series championship. This triumph underscored his ability to adapt to different machinery and master the demanding nature of sprint car racing, a discipline renowned for its intense, wheel-to-wheel action and requiring exceptional car control. This championship victory served as a strong indicator of his potential and established his reputation as a driver capable of achieving success at the highest levels of American motorsport.

Championship Car Endeavors and Indianapolis 500 Appearances

George's primary focus in the latter part of his career was the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, where he competed from the 1956 through the 1963 seasons. Over these eight seasons, he accumulated a total of 64 starts, a testament to his consistent presence in the sport's premier category. Throughout his Championship Car tenure, George proved to be a reliable and often front-running competitor, evidenced by his impressive tally of 36 top-ten finishes. This consistent performance against a field of highly skilled drivers highlights his enduring capability and competitive spirit. A significant highlight of his Championship Car career was his solitary victory, achieved in 1957 at Syracuse. This win stands as a testament to his ability to convert strong performances into outright success. Beyond the regular season, George also made his mark on the most iconic race in American motorsport, the Indianapolis 500. He participated in this prestigious event three times, in 1957, 1962, and 1963. His 1957 appearance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held particular historical significance, as the race was, at that time, part of the FIA World Championship. This made the 1957 Indianapolis 500 Elmer George's sole World Championship race. He finished 33rd in that event and did not accumulate any championship points, but his participation nonetheless linked his career to the broader international motorsport landscape.

A Significant Incident: The 1962 Bobby Ball Memorial Race

Elmer George's career was not without its perils, a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsport during his era. A particularly severe incident occurred on November 18, 1962, during a USAC Champ Car race, the Bobby Ball Memorial, held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. In a harrowing sequence of events, George suffered significant cuts and a left shoulder injury. The incident unfolded when George's HOW Special made contact with the bumper of another competitor's car. This contact caused him to lose control of his machine. The uncontrolled vehicle then veered towards the guard rail positioned in front of the grandstand, impacting it with considerable force. The momentum carried the car further, causing it to slide uncontrollably before it broke through a chain-link fence, ultimately landing upside down. The severity of the crash extended beyond the driver, as 22 spectators were unfortunately injured as a direct result of the incident, underscoring the precarious nature of racing safety standards of the time.

Post-Racing Contributions and Personal Life

Following his active racing career, Elmer George maintained a close association with motorsport, particularly with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a venue deeply intertwined with his personal life. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, George transitioned from competitor to administrator, serving as the director of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. In this role, he played a crucial part in bringing the excitement of the Speedway's events to a wider audience, contributing to the broadcasting infrastructure of one of motorsport's most revered venues. His personal life was notably connected to the Speedway through his marriage to Mari Hulman George. Mari was the daughter of Tony Hulman, the influential owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, thereby placing Elmer George at the heart of the Speedway's founding family. Together, Elmer and Mari had three daughters and one son, Tony George, who would later become a prominent figure in American motorsport, founding the Indy Racing League and serving as the ex-CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Elmer also had two children from a previous marriage, Joseph F. George and Carolyn Coffey, further illustrating his extensive family ties.

Legacy and Tragic End

Elmer George's enduring impact on American motorsport was formally recognized posthumously. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrated his achievements and contributions, particularly his 1957 USAC Sprint Car Series championship, solidifying his place among the legends of sprint car racing. Tragically, Elmer George's life came to an end on May 31, 1976, in Terre Haute, Indiana. The circumstances surrounding his death were complex and deeply personal. On May 3, 1976, his wife, Mari Hulman George, had filed for divorce. On the day of the 1976 Indianapolis 500, May 30, 1976, George engaged in a heated telephone argument with Guy Trolinger, a horse trainer at the family farm near Terre Haute, who was alleged to be Mari's boyfriend. Following the conclusion of the race, George drove to the farm. He then broke into the house and confronted Trolinger. Around 1:00 a.m., gunfire erupted during the confrontation, and Elmer George was shot and killed as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. A subsequent grand jury investigation concluded that Trolinger had acted in self-defense, as George was armed and had also discharged his firearm during the altercation. Consequently, all charges against Trolinger were dropped, bringing a somber close to the life of a notable figure in American racing.