The Original Cat In The Hat
Thursday, August 30th, 2007 11:01am CDT
By Frank Morrison, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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Carl Kiekhaefer. The founder of the Mercury Outboard division entered
NASCAR Grand National in 1955. The eccentric Carl Kiekhaefer was only
dominating force for two years in NASCAR (He raced white Chrysler’s and
Dodge’s). Kiekhaefer demanding only excellence from every part of his
team. He took on NASCAR with the passion of a stout business man and
the success that no team owner has been able to duplicate since.
Many of his records as a team owner have been deemed unbeatable even
today. The most prolific of his records is from 1956 when a car from
his stable won an amazing 16 races in a row. From March 25 through June
3, 1956 his team was undefeated.
Four different drivers from his stables won during this streak. Buck
Baker 8 times, Speedy Thompson 4 times, Herb Thomas 3 times, and Tim
Flock 1 time. Six times during the streak his cars lead from green to
checkered. In the Virginia 500 at Martinsville his whit cars led 494
laps of 500. Concord 199 of 200 laps. The 1956 standings showed Carl
Kiekhaefer’s team won 30 of 51 starts. The Champion from 1956 Buck
Baker drove a white Kiekhaefer as did the Champion from 1955 Tim Flock.
Flock’s 1955 run was more impressive than any other run before him and
better then any I can remember (Rusty with 10, Jeff with 13 nothing).
Flock won 18 races and 19 poles (Ryan maybe you should take some
lessons). Flock led from green to checkered in 11 races.
Carl’s record in his two years in NASCAR 90 starts, 52 wins (between 7
drivers). The white Kiekhaefer’s dominance caused a riff between him
and other owners and Bill France. Carl claimed his cars were sabotaged
if his cars didn’t win, and heightened suspicion when they did.
During an odd slide at the end of the 56 season Carl sent out a memo
offer a $500 dollar reward to the employee who found the other employee
who was sabotaging the cars. After that the team closed with 5 wins in
a row.
Carl and his entire crew were treated badly by the media and fans
because of the success (Jeff Gordon fans can relate). It hurt him
deeply and was often heard questioning out loud “What have I done?” or
“I guess they want me to quit”.
Carl’s fate was signed, sealed, and delivered at the end of the 1956
season. With Buck Baker trailing Herb Thomas (Quit Carl’s team mid
season) the final race at Shelby, NC was the deciding factor. Speedy
Thompson hooked Thomas’ rear bumper and sent Thomas into an end over end
spill that critically injured Thomas. Buck Baker cruised to an easy
victory and won the championship.
Carl never showed his face at another NASCAR race. He was quoted as
saying “We just can’t afford to have our name further associated with
racing”, was the reason he gave for not returning to NASCAR. Records
are made to be broken but it is doubtful his will be in my lifetime,
Brady if it happens put the article on your dad’s grave.
Well that is the story of the original “Cat in the Hat”. See you soon
with 1958 year in highlights “The year the boy who would become king
runs his first race”.
Filed Under: Features, Frank Morrison, Guest Authors, Nascar, The People Of Nascar
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