The Hartleys
There are few more popular, well known, or respected names in the history of Indiana auto racing than Hartley. Ted Hartley was the first of the racing Hartleys. Working out of his own garage, Ted competed in his midget racer on the short tracks scattered throughout northwestern and central Indiana until he was well into his 60's. It was little wonder then that his son, Leslie Eugene "Gene” born here in Roanoke, on January 28, 1926 would follow in his father's footsteps.
Gene began his racing career in midgets, and
quickly rose to stardom. He won 33 USAC
midget features, the USAC Midget Championship
in 1959, and was inducted into the Midget
Racing Hall of Fame in 1985. His skill attracted
Indianapolis car owners, and he was offered a
ride in the 1950 500. Gene competed in 10 of
the iconic 500's. Proud to be from Roanoke,
Gene spent his life here. Despite his racing
fame his neighbors best recall his love of family,
friendliness and humbleness.
Erected by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is January 28, 1926.
Location. 40° 57.684′ N, 85° 22.416′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wabash & Erie Canal Lock 4 (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kiilhsoohkwa (Kilsoquah) (approx. ¾ mile away); Fred A. Loew (approx. 7.7 miles away); a different marker also named Fred A. Loew (approx. 7.7 miles away); Huntington County Civil War Memorial (approx. 8.2 miles away); Huntington High School / General James R. Slack 1818 - 1881 (approx. 8.2 miles away); Old Plat Historic District (approx. 8.2 miles away); Burk's Lock (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 21, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
