1950 AAA Champ Car Champion, he later became USAC Director of Competitions. He also starred in a movie with Clark Gable - To Please A Lady. British born, Henry's father also raced in the very early days of the sport on road races in France. Banks moved to the US as a baby where he began racing in 1931, in tandem to a role with Pontiac as a test driver. He was a very capable sprint and midget driver, winning the 1941 ARDC Midget Championship. During the war, he worked in Ford's aircraft engine factory before returning to racing, where again his performances in midgets mightily impressed. Banks retired in 1954, later working as an executive for Ford.

Biography last updated 27 Aug 2015