George Frank Salih (May 12, 1914 – February 8, 1984) was an American auto racing designer and crew chief, winning three Indianapolis 500s.
During 1956 and early 1957, Salih developed an innovative design allowing the traditional Offenhauser used in Indy car racing to "lie down."
Unable to interest any team owners with his unusual design, Salih eventually decided to finance the construction of the car himself, placing him and his family into a vulnerable financial position.
[3][4] Salih convinced veteran driver Sam Hanks, 1953 AAA National Champion, to drive the car at Indianapolis.
When no interest was forthcoming, Salih was forced to bear the full cost of ownership, placing him close to bankruptcy.