Samuel Dwight Hanks (July 13, 1914 – June 27, 1994) was an American racing driver who won the 1957 Indianapolis 500.
[6] After World War II, Hanks captured the 1946 United Racing Association (URA) Blue Circuit Championship.
Hanks considered retiring following the 1956 Indianapolis 500, but agreed to return for the 1957 race at the urging of car owner George Salih.
[5] He did not stop racing immediately following his victory, however, but completed his contract to run a stock car for the remainder of the 1957 season.
Hanks portrayed himself in the episode "The Comedians" of the CBS situation comedy Mr. Adams and Eve, starring Ida Lupino and Howard Duff.
[9] Having experienced ill health for three years, Hanks died at his home in Pacific Palisades, California on June 27, 1994, aged 79.