Later joined up with Leroy Warriner as promoter of the Kirtley Avenue speedway, better known as the Indianapolis Speedrome at Indianapolis, retaining a special interest in midget racing, his favourite form of racing. Hartley, in 1958, won the very first USAC race there, a fifty lap midget race. As well as being the nephew of CG Hartley, Gene's own father, Ted, also raced in midgets, carrying on whilst Gene was still racing himself. Hartley was the 1959 USAC National Midget champion and took 33 USAC wins. Hartley was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1985. Hartley's full name was Leslie Eugene. Hartley also ran the family farm and also worked for General Electric, in road construction and as a mechanic, but he also spent over a decade teaching at schools on safe driving practices.

Biography last updated 6 Jan 2023