Gene Force

Eugene Robert 'Gene' Force (15 June 1916 - 21 August 1983): American racing driver from New Madison, Ohio, who competed primarily in midget car and sprint car racing before participating in the Indianapolis 500. Drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series from 1951-1952, 1954, 1956, and 1958-1960, accumulating 33 championship starts across nearly a decade. Participated in 2 Formula One World Championship races, the 1951 and 1960 Indianapolis 500 events, which counted toward the World Championship from 1950-1960. Began racing in 1939 in sprint cars at Franklin, Indiana, establishing himself in Midwest American oval racing and continuing for approximately 35 years.

Based primarily in midget car and sprint car racing from the 1940s through the 1960s, where he achieved considerable success on dirt ovals throughout the American Midwest. Finished in the top ten 16 times during his USAC Championship Car career, demonstrating consistent competitiveness on oval tracks. Achieved his best career finish of third place on three separate occasions in USAC Championship races, regularly competing for podiums. In 1960, finished sixth in the USAC Championship standings, his best season performance and demonstrating his status among America's premier oval track specialists.

Scored no Formula One World Championship points from his two Indianapolis 500 starts (points were awarded only to the top six finishers during the 1950s). Force's racing career exemplified the American oval track specialist whose connection to Formula One existed solely through Indianapolis' championship status, never competing in or intending to compete in European grand prix racing. Passed away on 21 August 1983 at age 67 in Ohio. Represented the generation of American drivers who built successful careers on domestic oval racing while their Indianapolis 500 appearances created statistical connections to Formula One that did not reflect their true racing focus or achievements in American motorsport.