Theodore Herbert Tetzlaff (February 5, 1883 – December 8, 1929) was an American racing driver active in the formative years of auto racing. He competed in the first four Indianapolis 500s, with a highest finish of second in 1912. He earned the nickname "Terrible Teddy" due to his rough treatment of his vehicles. His wide-open throttle racing style would variously win a race, blow up his engine or cause him to crash. As auto racing strategies evolved from the early "go as fast as you can and see if you can stay on the track," Tetzlaff's success in the sport waned.

Biography

Tetzlaff was born in Orange, California, on February 5, 1883.

Speed records

On March 19, 1911, as Lozier ads claimed, a stock 49 hp model piloted by Tetzlaff set a world record for 100 mi at 1:14:29. In 1914 the Moross Amusement Company of Ernest Moross engaged Tetzlaff to campaign the 300 hp Benz, naming it "Blitzen Benz 2." He broke the world land speed record mark by running 142.85 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats at Salduro, Utah, on August 12.

Motion pictures

Around 1912 Tetzlaff began appearing as himself in several silent motion pictures produced by comedy pioneer Mack Sennett. He even appeared in one Sennett film The Speed Kings (1913) alongside fellow racing driver Barney Oldfield. He later became an assistant to actor Wallace Reid on Reid's car racing movies. His son Ted Tetzlaff was a noted Hollywood cinematographer.

Death

Tetzlaff died in an assisted living facility in Artesia, California, on December 8, 1929, as a result of long-term effects of a spinal injury incurred during the 1911 Los Angeles to Phoenix race when his car hit a bump and overturned with Tetzlaff's head striking the ground. Having recovered quickly, he resumed his racing career and was later engaged in the auto service industry but had to retire as his health deteriorated.

Filmography

Actor:

Legacy

Tetzlaff Peak in Utah has borne his name since 1960. The mountain is located near Bonneville Salt Flats where he set the land speed record in 1914.

Motorsports career results

Indianapolis 500 results