Gene Force

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Gene Force bigraphy, stories - American racing driver

Gene Force : biography

June 15, 1916 – August 21, 1983

Gene Force (June 15, 1916 – August 21, 1983) was an American racecar driver.

Born in New Madison, Ohio, Force died in Brooklyn, Michigan as a result a heart attack at Michigan International Speedway. He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1951-1952, 1954, 1956, and 1958-1960 seasons with 33 starts, including the 1951 and 1960 Indianapolis 500 races. He finished in the top ten 16 times, with his best career finish in 3rd place occurring on 3 occasions.

The "McKay Special" #37 car that Force drove in the 1960 Indianapolis 500 was a 1959 Kurtis Kraft 500J, owned and entered by Roy McKay of Dayton, Ohio. Charlie Altfater was the mechanic. The car has survived in largely original condition and is now restored to appear as it did in the 1960 race, and can occasionally be seen participating in vintage races, as it did at the 2008 Monterey historics.

World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Gene Force participated in 2 World Championship races. He started on the pole 0 times, won 0 races, set 0 fastest laps, and finished on the podium 0 times. He accumulated a total of 0 championship points.

Category:1916 births Category:1983 deaths Category:American racing drivers Category:Indianapolis 500 drivers Category:Cardiovascular disease deaths in Michigan Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction Category:People from Darke County, Ohio Category:Racing drivers from Ohio

Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired
1951 69 22 133.102 20 11 142 0 Oil pressure
1960 37 20 143.472 21 28 74 0 Brakes
Totals 216 0
Starts 2
Poles 0
Front Row 0
Wins 0
Top 5 0
Top 10 0
Retired 2