by Meg A Wright

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Eylard Theodore Von Horn was born on February 27, 1910, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived a fairly normal childhood, although moving frequently with his parents until they decided to settle in Los Angeles. Nicknamed Ted, the boy found employment at the Los Angeles Times newspaper at the young age of 15.

It looked as if he would continue up the corporate ladder, but as he drove to work one day, an officer pulled him over for speeding. Though a quick and bright boy, Ted was unable to talk his way out of the unusual punishment the policeman dealt out.

A local track, called San Jose Speedway, often held races, but always there were more cars then drivers. Horn would be required to find an owner willing to let him drive in one of the nightly races. Once Horn "got all the speed he had out of his system," his car would be released from the impound lot it was being held at.

Horn did indeed follow to the letter the policeman's punishment, and retrieved his car, but he always admitted he never could "Get the speed he had out of his system." Thus another auto racer was born.

As with all rookies at the time, Horn had to fight his way to win rides, and the respect of his fellow drivers. Although he was exuberant at beginning his career at the Legion Ascot Speedway in California, he had much to learn in the sport of auto racing. His cars were often the slowest on the track, and much to his charring, he received very few pointers from other drivers.

It was during this time that Horn was severely injured in a horrendous racing accident. He both broke his foot and burned his back. Due to this injury, his parents insisted he quit racing. For three years as he mended, Horn abided by his parents request, but the lure of racing was no match for his parents' desires.

By now Horn had developed a distinct driving style, and even finished second to Louis Meyer of Indianapolis 500 fame. This impressed Louis Meyer how insisted Horn travel to the Midwest where more opportunities abounded for a driver.

It was then he started on what he would become known for. Although he did not qualify for the 1934 Indy 500, due to the fact he felt uncomfortable in the car, he drove sprint cars that summer and attracted the attention of an owner who was eager to use him in the 1935 Indy 500.

Horn did accept the offer, and drove the Miller Ford V8 qualifying 26 with a speed of 113.213. Although he had to drop out of the race due to steering issues, others saw great potential in the young driver. Including Harry Hartz a former driver turned owner. He offered Horn a ride in the 1936 Indy 500, and finished 2nd, wiping away Horn's former doubt about his driving ability.

During the rest of the 30's, Horn finished consistently in the top 5. When World War II broke out, Horn tried to enlist, but was turned away due to his racing injury that had never quiet healed.

When racing resumed in 1945, Horn achieved an amazing feat by winning all seven races he entered. He continued to enter and run well in the Indy 500, which resumed in 1946, but never won it. He did garner National Championships in 1946, 1947, and 1948, and to this day holds the record for the best ten consecutive finishes in the Indy 500, with a second, four 3rd place finishes, and four 4th place finishes.

Unfortunately at the age of 38, a tragic accident took Horn's life at DuQuoin, Illinois. It was October 10, 1948, and only the second lap of the race. Although taken to the hospital alive, Horn died a short time later.

Many were sure that with his continued success, he could have been one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever known. Sadly, we will never know.

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