13 Legendary Racers & Rodders Who Served Their Country
Every year on November 11, we remember and honor U.S. military service members by celebrating Veterans Day. This day began as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I but transformed into Veterans Day to pay homage to all war heroes. After serving their country, some of these heroes stepped into the car racing and hot rodding industry. They led a career in racing or inventing parts of race and hot rod vehicles. The Museum of American Speed proudly displays these remarkable automobiles and inventions to symbolize our patriotic heritage. You can visit these exhibits any time of the year to witness the astounding contributions of our veterans to the field of hot rodding and car racing.
1: Fred Offenhauser - Revolutionary Racing Engineer
Fred C. Offenhauser, a WWII Navy veteran, co-founded Offenhauser Sales Corp with Fran Hernandez. After the war, Hernandez left the company in Offenhauser's hands, leading to the early success of the corporation.
The development of the Miller DOHC 200 c.i. 4 Cylinder engine is deeply intertwined with Fred Offenhauser's legacy. This powerhouse boasted impressive specs: 3-7/8" bore, 4-1/4" stroke, and 200-12/25 c.i displacement. With 205 bhp at 6000 rpm, it revolutionized short-track racing. The subsequent Miller 220, later known as the Offy 220, became an emblem of dependability and performance. This invention solidifies Offenhauser's indelible mark on the racing industry.
2: Stuart Hilborn - Fuel Injection Pioneer
Stuart Hilborn, born in Calgary 1917, revolutionized automotive fuel systems with injector nozzles. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Force, he refined his techniques in California.
Stuart's contributions extended from the hot-rods of the 1940s to Indy cars. In 1953, Bill Vukovich (American racing driver) secured the first Indy win with a Hilborn injection. The legacy continued with innovations in turbocharging, leaving an indelible mark on automotive technology. Stuart Hilborn's work is a testament to the ever-evolving Racer's Edge spirit, influencing the racing field through efficient and competitive engineering.
3: Ed Iskenderian - Racing Legend and Innovator
Ed Iskenderian, a renowned figure in the racing world, honed his mechanical skills and became successful through engine modifications. Before serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Isky helped invent what we now know as the "hot rod."
Ed Iskenderian's innovative camshafts, such as the Hard-Face Overlay and Polydyne Profile 505 Magnum, set new durability and performance standards. His contributions extended to essential components, pushing hydraulic camshafts to unprecedented RPMs. He also revolutionized sponsorship collaborations and played a founding role in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
4: Bill Burke - From 'Sweet 16' to the Legendary 'Pumpkin Seed
In 1949, Bill Burke and Don Francisco created the Streamliner, or "Sweet 16," breaking land speed records at Bonneville using surplus P-38 belly tanks. Inspired by his WWII experience on PT Boats, Burke repurposed fighter aircraft drop tanks for racing, establishing his legacy as a speed pioneer.
Bill Burke's "Pumpkin Seed" streamliner, built in 1960, broke speed records and earned him a spot in the 200 MPH Club. The car was powered by a supercharged, nitromethane-fueled engine developed in collaboration with Mickey Thompson. It underwent restoration in the late 1990s and attained speeds over 286 MPH. It also appeared in films and exhibitions and was inducted into the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame in 2017.
5: Alexander Tremulis - Visionary Automotive and Aerospace Designer
Alexander Sarantos Tremulis (1914-1991) was a Greek-American industrial designer. He used his design skills during World War II to improve aircraft technology through wind tunnel testing. Tremulis went on to have a 45-year career in vehicle design, working with Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, General Motors, Ford, and Tucker.
Alex Tremulis was a self-taught designer who was a key member in designing the iconic Duesenberg 810 and 812 series. He went on to innovate aircraft designs at Wright Field and advocated for aerodynamic principles at Ford, reshaping automobile design philosophy. Tremulis continued to push boundaries, designing record-breaking race cars and motorcycles that left an indelible mark on the automotive world.
6: Harvey Crane - Camshaft Innovation Pioneer
Harvey J. Crane, Jr. was a skilled engine and racecar builder who founded Crane Engineering Company. He also served in the Army for two years, balancing his military duties with his passion for camshaft design and racing. This dedication and multi-faceted skill set further exemplify Crane's remarkable contributions to the military and automobile realms.
In 1961, "Sneaky" Pete Robinson's win at the NHRA Nationals with Crane cam-equipped machinery put Crane Cams, Inc. on the map. This was among the first of many winning racecars to find success using Crane Cams. Like one of the first contingency programs, Harvey's innovations cemented his legacy. By 1967, Crane became the U.S.'s leading producer of aftermarket camshafts, and Harvey's influence extended beyond drag racing to OEM parts for companies like Caterpillar. Though he stepped down in 1977, Harvey's legacy lives on through Harvey Crane, Inc.
7: Phil Remington - Engineering Excellence and Championships
Phil Remington was an iconic figure in sports car racing and Air Force. He served as chief engineer at Shelby-American and AAR, contributing to the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship and the historic 1966 and '67 Le Mans wins. He was pivotal in securing over 50 Indianapolis 500 victories and clinched IMSA GTP and GTO championships. Remington also aided Holman-Moody in their triumph at the 1968 DAYTONA 500.
Phil Remington's engineering prowess left an indelible mark on the racing world. He spearheaded Lance Reventlow's Scarab project, clinching the 1958 SCCA National Championship and crafting the first American F1 car. His tenure at Shelby-American yielded the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship and historic Le Mans victories. Moving to Holman-Moody, Remington was instrumental in their 1968 DAYTONA 500 win. Later, at All American Racers, he crafted Eagles that claimed over 50 IndyCar victories, multiple Indy 500s, and the 1974 national championship.
8: Smokey Yunick - The NASCAR Maverick
Henry "Smokey" Yunick, a war hero from the Army Air Corps, transformed into a NASCAR legend. A top-notch mechanic, he challenged authority and left an indelible mark on stock car racing.
Yunick won championships, including the NASCAR Grand National titles in 1951 and 1953. He pioneered creative rules interpretation, pushing boundaries and engineering innovations. Henry revolutionized the sport from aerodynamics to engine design, forever impacting its trajectory. In addition to NASCAR, Yunick excelled in open-wheel racing, even winning the Indy 500 in 1960. His legacy lives on as he paved the way for future generations of racers and mechanics.
9: Carroll Shelby - Racing Icon
In 1942, Carroll Shelby enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant. His military career influenced his future in the automotive industry, where he became a legend.
Carroll Shelby was a motorsport legend who accomplished many milestones. He won Le Mans in 1959, created the iconic Shelby Mustangs, and established Shelby American. Shelby also produced high-performance vehicles like the Cobra Daytona Coupe. He revived Chrysler's performance division and developed the Dodge Viper. The Army lieutenant continued to innovate with the Shelby Series One, leaving an indelible mark on motorsport history with his return to Ford in 2005.
10: Ed Roth - From Air Force Service to Hot Rod Icon and Pop Culture Visionary
Ed Roth's imaginative creations revolutionized car design. He introduced fiberglass into automotive construction and developed legendary cars like the "Outlaw" and "Beatnik Bandit." Roth's influence extended beyond vehicles, as he popularized "weirdo" t-shirts and created the iconic Rat Fink. His legacy endures through model kits, artwork, and annual celebrations honoring his contributions to the automotive and pop culture realms.
11: Tony Nancy - From Korean War Service to Drag Racing Pioneer
Tony Nancy was a hot-rodding and racing prodigy born in Los Angeles on November 14, 1933. After serving in the Korean War, he founded Hollywood Custom Auto Interiors and became known for his iconic '22' race cars. Nancy's legacy endures as a pioneer in drag racing.
Tony Nancy's '29 Roadster graced the cover of HOT ROD Magazine in 1957. Nancy's innovative fiberglass '25 T-bodied Roadster made history in 1962. He won the Competition Eliminator title in the '63 NHRA Winternationals. Tony's transition to Top Fuel led to numerous victories, including the prestigious Bakersfield U.S. Fuel and Gas Championships in 1970. His legacy lives on through his revolutionary dragster designs and contributions to the racing community.
12: Al Teague - Speed Barrier Breaker
Elwin "Al" Teague, a California native, shattered a 26-year-old speed record in 1991, achieving an astounding 409-4/5 mph average on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Teague's racing fervor ignited in his youth, inspired by visits to local tracks. Notably, he also served in the Army, an experience that instilled discipline and focus, key factors in his eventual record-breaking triumph.
Teague's legendary racing career spanned decades and was marked by groundbreaking achievements. His GMC Dragster, the "Jim Dandy," demonstrated exceptional power-to-weight ratio with 10-second passes at over 140 mph. His ingenuity and competitive spirit epitomized the golden era of American drag racing, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
13: Tom Hoover - The Man Who Ignited Racing Dominance with the 426 Hemi
Tom Hoover, the creator of the 426 Hemi, was an automotive engineering visionary who revolutionized racing. He served in the Korean War after enlisting in the National Guard, and his military experience influenced his work at Chrysler, where he introduced groundbreaking innovations like the 426 Hemi.
Tom Hoover revolutionized racing with groundbreaking innovations like the Individual Runner Tunnel Ram Intake Manifold for the 426 Hemi. He also transformed the street cars and Mopar Direct Connection parts program, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.
These 13 veterans left their mark on the racetrack and showcased the indomitable American spirit. Their stories are a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the enduring love for the thrill of speed. They inspire generations of car racing and hot-rodding enthusiasts. It reminds us that pursuing excellence, even in the face of challenges, knows no bounds.