Art began racing as a hobby in Roseburg, Oregon in 1955 and by 1957 started gaining recognition winning super modified hardtop championships in Oregon, Washington, California, Canada, and Utah. After moving to Medford in 1962, Art continued his driving supremacy. In 1965 he won the 1^st USAC (United States Auto Club) Championship race-Milwaukee 200 and in 1966 passed the driving test for Indianapolis 500, but was bumped from the lineup in the last day of qualifications. In 1967, he qualified again, this time running 3^rd  in the race, when a spin dropped him to an 8^th place finish.

Art won many more races throughout his career and in 1968 drove Andy Granatelli’s STP Turbocar at Indianapolis and USCA Championship Trail. In 1969 he was the 1^st to drive the STP Super Wedge powered by a Plymouth Engine.