Sam Hanks
Sam Hanks: Formula 1 Career
- Full Name: Samuel Dwight Hanks
- Birth: July 13, 1914, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Death: June 27, 1994, Pacific Palisades, California, USA (aged 79)
- Nationality: American
- First Grand Prix: Indianapolis 500, 1950
- Last Grand Prix: Indianapolis 500, 1957
- Best World Championship Ranking: 7th in 1956
- Teams: Multiple, including Kurtis Kraft
- Grand Prix Entries: 8
- Wins: 1 (12.50% win rate)
- Podiums: 4 (50.00% podium rate)
- Pole Positions: 0
- Fastest Laps: Not recorded
- Points: 20
- Average Points per Grand Prix: 2.50
- Average Starting Grid Position: 11.62
- Average Finishing Position: 11.22
- Career Highlights: Indianapolis 500 winner in 1957
Sam Hanks’s Formula 1 career from 1950 to 1957. The graph shows his finishing positions each year, highlighting his victory in 1957. It’s clear from the graph that Hanks had varied results over the years, with several non-classifications (nc) and a notable peak with his win in 1957.
Career Summary: Sam Hanks’s career in Formula 1, primarily centered around his participation in the Indianapolis 500, which was part of the Formula One World Championship from 1950 to 1960. He had a notable record at the Indianapolis 500, with consistent performances that culminated in a victory in 1957.
Early Career: Hanks began his career in Midget car racing, achieving significant success, including championships and numerous victories. His transition to higher categories was marked by a gradual rise through the ranks, culminating in his participation in the Indianapolis 500.
Indianapolis 500 Success: Hanks competed in the Indianapolis 500 several times, with a notable improvement in performances over the years. His persistence and skill eventually led to his victory in the 1957 Indianapolis 500, after which he retired from racing.
Post-Racing Career: After retiring from active racing, Hanks transitioned to a role as a television commentator, sharing his insights and experiences with a wider audience.
Death: Sam Hanks passed away on June 27, 1994, in Pacific Palisades, California. He was 79 years old at the time of his death and left behind a legacy as one of the top American drivers of his era, particularly remembered for his triumph at the Indianapolis 500.
