Tinley Ceremony Honors Bettenhausen Racing Family On Saturday

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park's legendary racing Bettenhausen family will be honored Saturday at a ceremony at their namesake recreation center that was once the site of the family's farm.

A race-themed marker honoring the family will be installed in front of the Bettenhausen Recreation Center on 171 St. Street. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m., Sat., April 13. It is free and open to the public.

Retired race driver Merle Bettenhausen and other family members will attend to greet members of the public.

Tony Bettenhausen, known as the Tinley Park Express, was a popular driver and father of Gary, Merle and Tony, and among them earned 51 starts in the Indianapolis 500, according to Brian Hasler, a co-founder of the American Racing Memorial Association, which is providing the marker. Tony was the national champion in 1951 and 1958.

"Tinley Park is thrilled to have this opportunity to pay tribute to this great American family," Brian Younker, a Tinley trustee and event organizer said in statement. "The Bettenhausen name is synonymous with the highest quality of racing, and they helped put our community on the map."

The Bettenhausen's former farm is now home to the Tinley Park Recreation Center, which also houses a museum dedicated to the Bettenhausen family.

A copy of a book about the family's racing history will be available for purchase, and Merle will be on hand to sign them.

The American Racing Memorial Association, or AMRA, is an outgrowth of the Indiana Racing Memorial Association, which has placed thirty-seven historic markers across the state. The Bettenhausen marker will be the first national ARMA marker.