Driver, track owner

Gerald John Hansen is the most successful amateur American sports car racer ever. His 27 Sports Car Club of America national championships are almost double the total of his nearest competitor. His 10 consecutive SCCA A Sports Racing national championships (1975-84) and six straight Formula A titles (1971 through 1976) are first and second place as all-time highs. He won the club’s prestigious President’s Cup in 1971, three years before the birth of his daughter, automotive personality Courtney. On the relatively few occasions when he entered pro races, he excelled, winning five Trans-Ams and an F5000 event. The Minnesotan, who made a fortune in real estate and is the former owner of Brainerd International Raceway, explained to Sports Illustrated in the ‘70s why he resisted turning pro. "I don't want to become obsessed with racing," said Hansen. "I just don't want to get in so deep I can't get out. I don't want racing to control me like it did Mark Donohue (whom he deeply admired). I race for fun.”