The Hartley name became one of the most popular, well known, and respected in Indiana auto racing. Ted Hartley was the first of the racing Hartleys, competing from his own garage in a midget racer on short tracks across northwestern and central Indiana until he was well into his 60's. His son, Leslie Eugene "Gene" Hartley, born in Roanoke on January 28, 1926, followed him into racing, began in midgets, and quickly rose to stardom. Gene won 33 USAC midget features, captured the USAC Midget Championship in 1959, and was inducted into the Midget Racing Hall of Fame in 1985. His skill brought him opportunities with Indianapolis car owners, including a ride in the 1950 500, and he competed in 10 of the iconic 500's. Though widely known for racing, Gene spent his life in Roanoke, where neighbors best remembered his love of family, friendliness, and humbleness.