Teddy Tetzlaff was a turn-of-the-century, American racing hero, tagged “Terrible Ted” by the media of his day. Tetzlaff didn’t particularly like the moniker, but it aptly described the fearsome, win-at-all-costs driving style that gained him nationwide acclaim during the birth of auto racing in this country.
Born Theodore Herbert in Los Angeles during 1883, Tetzlaff’s first venture into racing occurred in 1909 at the AAA-sanctioned Santa Monica Road Race, where he finished ninth manhandling his lumbering, 600-cubic-inch Lozier.
Over the next two years, Tetzlaff compiled an envious record of wins throughout California. His reputation grew to the extent that he landed a ride for the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. His race was short-lived, exiting after only 20 laps.
His racing fortunes, however, improved considerably after that. In 1912, Fiat officials invited him to drive for their factory team. He responded by winning the prestigious Santa Monica Road Race, finishing second at Indianapolis and collecting two more AAA wins to finish a close second to Ralph DePalma in the national championship.
In addition to the “legitimate” AAA races, Tetzlaff joined forces with promotional genius Ernie Moross and competed in hippodrome events on county fairground tracks across the nation.
THIS ARTICLE IS ACCESSIBLE TO INSIDERS ONLY…
SPEED SPORT Insider is the ad-free premium extension of SPEEDSPORT.com. Insider is dedicated to the best and brightest in motorsports journalism – created by the best writers, photographers and reporters in the business. From veteran Hall of Fame writers like Bones Bourcier, Dave Argabright, Pat Sullivan, Keith Waltz, Ralph Sheheen and Editor in Chief Mike Kerchner, to behind the scenes SPEED SPORT reporters like Grace Woelbing, David Hoffman and more.
By subscribing to Insider, you not only get exclusive access to this premium content, but you support the journalists that are vital to telling the stories that matter most. Subscriptions are just $5/mo or $44.95 for an entire year. View plans and details.
SPECIAL OFFER! Subscribe now with this link and save $5.00!
