The Phenomenal Charlie Merz

Talk about Max Verstappen today, but 17-year-old Charlie Merz was the wunderkind phenom of American racing in 1905. Partnered with Indiana favorite son Jap Clemens — who was born during the Civil War — the two drivers spanned generations to partner in a brilliant drive to set the new 24-hour speed and distance records 112 years ago this month on the Indiana State Fairgrounds oval.

Charlie Merz at the wheel of his 24-hour speed record-setting National Motor Vehicle Company racer.
Only auto racing historians and true racer-fan aficionados know about Charlie today, despite the fact that his 1905 achievements were merely the launch of a brilliant career. He finished third in the 1913 Indianapolis 500 with engine aflame and his riding mechanic Harry Martin leaning over the hood to beat back the fire with his jacket as they crossed the finish line.
 
It was a marvelous feat that inspired the final scene of the movie, “The Big Wheel,” 36 years later. Imagine the amazement of fans in stand A watching in awe — and even horror — at the spectacle. Yes, authentic racing. To understand it is to recognize what we have lost — legendary acts of daring that cannot be endured today.
 
Merz drove and worked for Art Newby’s National Motor Vehicle Company during those early years, switching to Stutz for 1912 when he finished fourth in the “500.” He won numerous races in his career, including one of the early sprint contests at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
 
He survived — virtually unscathed — what remains one of the Speedway’s deadliest accidents. It was during the track’s inaugural race meet in August 1909. Three people, including two spectators, lost their lives.
 
Merz drove his final Indianapolis 500 at just 27 in 1915 and embarked on a career in the auto industry. He founded Merz Engineering Company in 1927 and also served as the Chief Steward of the Indianapolis 500 from 1935 through 1939.
The photo you see here is of one of the National race cars on November 4, 1905. It was at a race meet at the Indiana State Fairgrounds oval. This was the first attempt at running those races, but they had to be postponed to the following day due to rain. Merz battled teammate Clemens throughout the 100-mile feature, only to crash out on lap 95 after suffering tire failure. Weeks later they returned for the 24-hour go.
 
He was a tough kid who never gave up and had a terrific career. He deserves to be remembered, and he is — at First Super Speedway.
 
This photo was provided by Charles Test, the man behind the terrific auto racing Web site, Chuck’s Toyland.