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USAC: Thomas W. Binford, Former USAC President, Dies at 74

15 January 1999

Indianapolis civic leader Thomas W. Binford, who served in many posts during his United States Auto Club affiliation, including president from 1957-1969, has succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 74.

Mr. Binford, a founding member of USAC and a Director for the past four decades, attended Friday night's 43rd USAC National Awards Dinner in Indianapolis and was currently serving as a Vice Chairman of the USAC Board of Directors.

In 1974 he was named Chief Steward for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and continued in that post until 1995. A member of USAC's Executive Committee, he also served as Chairman of the Championship Division Competition Commission for more than two decades.

A past president of ACCUS-FIA, a former U.S. delegate to the FIA and a director of both ACCUS and FIA, he was also a former Chairman of the Indiana National Bank and served on the Board of numerous Indiana corporations.

"It is with deep sadness that the USAC family receives this news," said USAC President Johnny Capels. "Mr. Binford's leadership helped guide our organization through its formative years and his insight into our sport will be irreplaceable. His enthusiasm will be sorely missed. We extend our condolences to his wife Kai, his family and his countless friends."