Document Actions
Meet Mr. Doo
In 1961, American Red Ball adopted Mr. Doo (reportedly modeled after Melvin D. "Don" Duncan, Jr.) as our mascot. He served proudly and honorably carried the Red Ball banner for many years.
Due to ill health, Mr. Kissel (president since 1939) retired due to ill health. His son, C.S. Kissel, Jr., assumed the position of president for a brief time.
On August 27, 1964, Robert L. Hiner, the son of founder Ward B. Hiner acquired 100 percent of the company's stock and became chief executive officer and president. A vice president and stockholder for many years, Hiner was nationally prominent in the motor truck transportation industry.
Perhaps the greatest and longest running advertising program American Red Ball ran was sponsorship of cars, drivers and events connected to the famous Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The "greatest spectacle in racing" is located in our hometown, so sponsorship was almost destined. While American Red Ball supported auto racing for many years and rubbed shoulders with the greats of the sport, two names will always be special to us. They are Eddie Sachs and Graham Hill.
When the historic, "Gentlemen, start your engines" echoed through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 1964, Eddie Sachs was seated in the American Red Ball Special, No. 25. An agent for American Red Ball when he wasn't racing, Eddie had been a professional race driver for many years and had a well-respected name, both in moving and racing. The green flag dropped and Eddie rolled forward to begin his 8th Indy 500, from sixth row, center position. Tragically, Eddie's race ended quickly on the second lap as he came out of the 4th turn, crashed, and was killed. The Eddie Sachs Memorial Scholarship was established in 1968.
At the Indianapolis 500 in 1966, Graham Hill drove the American Red Ball Special to victory! Starting on the outside 5th row, with a qualifying speed of 159.243, Hill was up against favorite Mario Andretti who held pole position with a qualifying speed of 165.899.
Though racing will always hold a special place in our hearts, over the years successful advertising campaigns partnered us with sports legends like Dick Butkus, Oscar Robertson, Hallie Bryant, Jerry West, Frank Beard, Pete Rose and more.
