kkrefting's avatar
Author:
Kevin Krefting
 
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
Check Out the New NASCAR on SPEED Online Store
Enter Code 10SPEED at checkout for an additional 10% discount (including clearance items).
Our Price: Visit the Store
Visit Button
Buy Button
DVD: David Jefferies Story
The David Jefferies Story is a reminder of the much loved and much missed Yorkshireman.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
VINTAGE: Something Wicked This Way Runs
Written by: Kevin Krefting   
11/12/2007
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Gordon Reid and the Engle-Stanko Offy, the day before his fatal accident. (Photo courtesy of Tom Konop) ยป More Photos

According to Webster's, the term "wicked" describes something evil, fierce or vicious. But in the vernacular of the track, a "wicked" racer is a fast, powerful machine. In the long and sometimes strange career of Charlie Engle's famous sprint cars, both terms have been applied to these formidable beauties.

When racing folk talk about colorful characters, one would be hard pressed to find anyone to surpass legendary sprint car owner Charlie Engle.

"Charlie had two hunting dogs-both named Joe," says Engle's longtime friend and racing historian Tom Konop. "When I ask why he named both of them the same, he said, 'So I only have to call 'em once.'"

He was seldom seen without a hat, and removing it from his head could earn a strong rebuke.

A native of Dayton, Ohio, where he operated a pair of taverns, Charlie's involvement in racing first came as
a driver in the early 1930s. Now Charlie wasn't a world beater, but he won his share of events. And one often found his name in the finishing order right behind Bob Carey, Mauri Rose or even tramping West Coast star Al Gordon. Charlie could go.

But early in his career, fellow racers discovered Engle's real talent was in his mechanical abilities. Long before fuel injection, Charlie had taken a page from the book of such notable engine men as Art Sparks and Floyd "Pop" Dreyer. Engle produced his own homemade intake manifold, which sported four Amal motorcycle carbs running on alcohol. It was a potent setup and gave the engine quite a boost in performance.

Subscribe to "Vintage Motorsport: The Journal of Motor Racing History" to keep the rich history of motorsport alive and at hand in your home!

Page 1 of 10
Next Page »
1 2 3 > Last »