He competed in 49 World Cup Races during those four years and his podium percentage of 53% may be the highest in the history of the sport.

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960, and drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation.

Very few Soviet players got the chance to compete internationally during those years, and invitations were controlled by the Soviet Chess Federation.

The start of World War II meant that only very few tournaments were organised, so Hedlund could not compete very often during those years.

Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation.