OldRacingCars.com

Tommy Hinnershitz

Tommy Hinnershitz, Williams Grove, September 1959. Copyright Jim Nise, 2020. Used with Permission.

Tommy Hinnershitz, Williams Grove, September 1959. Copyright Jim Nise, 2020. Used with Permission.

Born:

06 Apr 1912
Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania

Died:

01 Aug 1999
Oley, nr. Reading, Pennsylvania

Nationality:

United States

Grands Prix:

0 (1952)

Indy 500s:

3 (1939-1952)

Retired from driving in 1964 and became a mechanic, notably helping Mario Andretti in his dirt racing career. Also worked on his farm (he was born on a farm as well) and never lost contact with the sport - indeed his last appearance at the tracks was in 1998, when his life-long admirer AJ Foyt invited him to the New Hampshire IRL race. A memorial meeting is now held in his memory at Latimore Valley Fairgrounds each year. Hinnershitz was hugely successful in sprint cars, especially on dirt tracks.

Biography last updated 9 Jul 2015