104 Years Ago Today

On November 17, 1905, 17 year-old Charlie Merz and veteran driver W.F. "Jap" Clemens finished their race through the night to set a new world's speed record for 24 hours. Their cars were National Motor Vehicle Company machines, the company Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Arthur C. Newby helped establish. Teaming with Carl Fisher, Newby provided the cars and Fisher did the promotion. The two drivers covered in the 24-hour drive in the 1906-model Nationals.