Gus Hutchison

Augustus 'Gus' Hutchison (26 April 1937 - Present): American racing driver and successful entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia, who competed in Formula One at the 1970 United States Grand Prix. Graduated from the University of Georgia with a chemistry degree, applying his scientific education to building successful businesses while racing as an accomplished amateur. Won the 1967 SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Grand Prix Championship driving a Lotus 41, dominating the inaugural season of Formula A (which would later become Formula 5000). In 1967, when Formula A was introduced as a new category for powerful single-seaters, Hutchison's Lotus 41 proved dominant, winning four of five qualifying rounds to claim the championship.

His Formula A success demonstrated that he possessed the talent to compete at higher levels of motorsport, though racing remained a hobby rather than a profession. In 1970, purchased a Formula One Brabham BT26A-Ford, entering it in the 1970 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, his only World Championship appearance. Qualified the Brabham 22nd on the grid, demonstrating competitive pace despite limited Formula One experience and running a year-old customer car. Retired from the race when his fuel tank fell off, a bizarre and frustrating mechanical failure that ended his Formula One debut prematurely.

Scored no championship points from his single Formula One start, though his qualification and early race pace suggested he could have achieved a respectable finish with better reliability. Never competed at the Indianapolis 500 despite being an American driver, focusing instead on road racing disciplines where his talents were better suited. Motor racing was always a hobby for Hutchison rather than a full-time profession, pursuing his business interests alongside his racing activities. Founded Chemscope after moving to Dallas in 1962, building a successful chemistry-related business based on his university education.

Stopped racing in 1975 to establish Solar Kinetics, a pioneering professional lighting manufacturer that harnessed solar power technology. Solar Kinetics later became KW/2 Prime Time Lighting, growing into a significant player in the commercial lighting industry. His business success far exceeded his racing achievements, demonstrating that his talents extended beyond the cockpit to entrepreneurship and innovation. Remained involved in motorsport as a sponsor and supporter after retiring from driving, maintaining connections to the racing community.

As of 2025, continues his business operations in Dallas, having built a successful post-racing career in technology and manufacturing.