Merle Bettenhausen, an American racing driver, died on April 29, 2026, at age 82 of complications from a stroke.
Born June 9, 1943, in Tinley Park, Illinois, he was the second oldest member of the Bettenhausen racing family and the son of Tony Bettenhausen. He was the brother of Gary Bettenhausen and Tony Bettenhausen Jr.
His USAC Champ Car career included seasons in 1969, 1970 and 1972. Bettenhausen lived in Indianapolis and worked in the retail automobile business.
Merle Bettenhausen, 82, American racing driver, complications from a stroke.