Eddie Rickenbacker

America's Ace of Aces and Vanderbilt Cup Participant (1906 American Elimination Trial, 1915 & 1916)

Nationality: American
Born: October 8,1890 Columbus, Ohio
Died: July 23, 1973 Zurich, Switzerland


Prior to becoming America’s World War I “Ace of Aces”, an aviation industry pioneer, owner of the Indianapolis Speedway and before changing his last name to Rickenbaker, Eddie was one of the leading race drivers in the country.

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Related Posts


  • Jan 05 2012

    Another Vanderbilt Cup Race Mystery: Was Eddie Rickenbacker the Mechanician in this 1906 Photo?

    John Bayer wrote: "Not sure the guy in mechanician's seat in Frayer-Miller is Rickenbacker, even at 16. Rick's nose was much broader, and several of the Auburn pics you have posted show that...mystery".

  • Aug 27 2011

    A Tribute to the Mechanicians of the Vanderbilt Cup Races

    Every race car that participated in the Vanderbilt Cup Races of 1904 to 1910 carried two men, the driver and a riding mechanic called a mechanician. The mechanician assisted with repairs, helped navigate the course, and, when needed, worked a hand pump to maintain fuel pressure. The mechanician was the…

  • Nov 29 2010

    Article “Rickenbacker-King Of the Dirt Track” by Damon Runyon and Walter Kiernan

    In 1942, World War I "Ace of Aces" and veteran race car driver Eddie Rickenbacker was appointed by Secretary of War Henry Stimson to inspect air bases. During a late 1942 tour of bases in the Pacific, the B-17 Rickenbacker was flying in ran out of fuel. The crew…

  • Nov 20 2009

    Starting Lineup: The 1906 American Elimination Trial

    Lee, as in 1905, an American Elimination Trial determined the five racers to represent the United States in the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Of 16 entries, 12 cars survived the practice runs to race on Saturday, September 22, 1906. Here are images and profiles of all 16 cars. (Remember to…

  • Nov 19 2009

    The 1906 Air-Cooled Frayer-Millers

    An innovative machine showcased in the 1906 American Elimination Trial was the unique, air-cooled Frayer-Miller entry with designer Lee Frayer at the wheel. The only car to place the driver on the left side, this entry (one of three Frayer-Millers entered in the American Elimination Trial) broke a radius rod…