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Harry Hartz

Harry Hartz. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.

Harry Hartz. Originally in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection of the The IUPUI University Library, in conjunction with Indiana University. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2013.

Born:

24 Dec 1896
Ponoma, California

Died:

26 Sep 1974
Indianapolis, Indiana

Nationality:

United States

Indy 500s:

5 (1922-1927)

Badly hurt in a crash in 1927, Harry retired and became a team owner and chief mechanic, having much success, before retiring in 1940. Later worked for Studebaker and then became an administrator for USAC and the AAA, as well as being a car salesman. Hartz initially started racing in cycle-car events, before then becoming a mechanic for Duesenburg, which included being a riding mechanic for Eddie Hearne initially, but his performances soon led to him driving for the team by his own steam. He did make one brief comeback attempt at the 1930 Indianapolis 500 but after one lap, realised it wasn't worth returning. Although Hartz had much success as a team owner, 5 people died at Indianapolis 500's in his car, including Pete Kreis and Les Spangler. Hartz was also the first president of the Indy 500 Oldtimers Club.

Biography last updated 10 Aug 2015