LEGENDS OF THE RACE. THESE ARE MY PERSONAL TRIBUTES TO THOSE WHO SHAPED MY LOVE FOR RACING IN ALL FORMS.
George VanDenHul (Dad) — The Man Behind the Machine
Before the iconic #73 race car tore through dirt at Huset’s Speedway, before pit crews, engines and trophies, George
VanDenHul first wore the uniform of a United States Marine.
His discipline, calm under pressure, and relentless attention to detail would shape every thing he ever touched — especially the beloved #73, piloted & co-owned by John Underberg (brother-in-law) and maintained by a tight-knit crew of family Joe Underberg (brother in-law), Roger Joachem (Brother in-law), Rolo Lottman (brother in-law), Myron Underberg (cousin), plus other family and friends over those years.
From Harrisburg shop/bar-owner to trackside tactician, George was both mentor and motor to a team that ran with heart. He brought grit to the garage, leadership to the lanes, and love to the people who stood beside him.
In his later years, you’d find him fishing on the river, working in his garden, and still driving bus for the school. Calm as ever — still watching the horizon. The fire never left his spirit. It just rode lower in the RPMs.
Marine. Father-Grandfather-Great-Grandfather. Good Guy. Legend.
