Very popular driver who retired after his 1957 win and then kept up his links with the sport through TV and advertising via Raymark and their Raybestos brakes. He also worked as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Director of Racing Competition. Hanks grew up near an airport in California and learnt to fly at an early age, working on the aeroplanes and their engines as a mechanic whilst still a teenager. Hanks started racing in 1936 in midget races around the Los Angeles area and only one year later he won the AMA Pacific Coast Midget Car Championship. Sam often worked on the cars himself, winning the National Championship in 1941. Hanks then worked at Lockheed Aircraft and with Pratt & Whitney Engines during World War Two on commission before enjoying much more success after the war.

Biography last updated 10 Aug 2015