Samuel Dwight Hanks (July 13, 1914 – June 27, 1994) was an American racing driver who won the 1957 Indianapolis 500. [1][2] He was a barnstormer, and raced midget and Championship cars. Hanks was born in Columbus, Ohio and lived in Alhambra, California from the age of six. [3] . He attended Alhambra High School. [4]

Jun 1, 2020 · The victory by Sam Hanks in the 1957 Indianapolis 500 was one of the most popular in the entire history of the event, both with the crowd and with the other participants. Hanks had been trying there since 1940, and at six weeks short of 43, was at that time the oldest winner ever to enter Victory Lane.

May 24, 2018 · Alice Hanks had no idea Indianapolis Motor Speedway would become her second home when she first visited in 1947. She was dating driver Sam Hanks, and he asked her to attend. They had met at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, where she was a civilian secretary and he was working on an engine in the power plant.

Jun 29, 1994 · Sam Hanks tried 12 times before he won the Indianapolis 500, but when he finally did, he pulled his car into Victory Lane, kissed his wife, Alice, took a swig of milk and announced...

SAM HANKS was an outstanding driver in three divisions of racing over a period of many years. He won the American Automobile Association National Driving title in 1953 and placed among the top ten in the final driving title standings on four other occasions.

Apr 19, 2018 · Popular driver Sam Hanks headed into 1957 with 12 Indianapolis 500 starts under his belts but no victories, finishing second in 1956 and third in 1952 and 1953. Hanks was 42 years old in the spring of 1957, and he knew time was running out to get his face on the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Sam Hanks will be remembered as a fair but determined racer; recognized, respected and admired as a true sportsman. The 'Great' Starter gave the final checkered flag to Sam Hanks on June 27, 1994.

Jul 7, 1994 · Hanks started his career in 1935 at Gilmore Stadium and won 22 races there before WW II caused the track to close for four years. When it reopened in 1946, Hanks was campaigning...

During the early fifties, one of the biggest sports stars in the United States was Sam Hanks. Notice I said “sports,” not motor sports. He was one of the best-loved sports figures to come out of Southern California. For many of us enthralled with racing, he was our hero.

Jun 29, 1994 · Sam Hanks, who drove the winning car in the 1957 Indianapolis 500, died on Monday at his home in suburban Pacific Palisades. He was 79. Bob Russo, a family friend and auto racing...