11 Facts About Harry Hartz

Harry Henry Hartz was an American racing driver and auto mechanic.

Harry Hartz was a mechanic, but sought to be a race car driver and signed on with the Duesenberg brothers after World War I Hartz made his debut at the 1921 Indianapolis 500 race as Eddie Hearne's riding mechanic.

Harry Hartz is the only driver to come in second in the Indianapolis 500 three times, but never to win the race in his six attempts.

Harry Hartz finished in the top five positions 46 times out of the 69 major events he started, and won seven championship events.

Harry Hartz was badly burned and injured in a crash in 1927 at the Rockingham Speedway in Salem, New Hampshire, requiring him to spend the next two years in hospitals.

Harry Hartz retired from racing to become a team owner and chief mechanic.

Harry Hartz bought a used 1927 Miller 91 front-drive race car, and built the car for the junk-formula by widening the chassis and installing a bored-out Miller 122.

Harry Hartz appeared in the racing sequences for the 1932 movie The Crowd Roars.

Harry Hartz appeared at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair as a stunt driver at the Chrysler Exhibit.

Harry Hartz was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Harry Hartz received the Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Citation.