Background
Frederick Offenhauser, Junior., was born November 11, 1888 in Los Angeles, California, the oldest child of Martha and Frederick Offenhauser. Both his parents were natives of Germany. His father was a barber.
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Fred Offenhauser
Edit ProfileCareer
Frederick Junior. was married to Ethel C. Lowery. Miller named Offenhauser the head of Miller"s engine department in 1914. Bob Burman was campaigning the engine that year, but when World War I made it impossible to get parts, Miller"s shop got the job of maintaining lieutenant
The design so impressed Miller and Offenhauser that they designed an engine on largely similar principles.
In 1917, Offenhauser designed and built Barney Oldfield"s famous "Golden Submarine". In 1919, Leo Goossen joined Miller’s shop and Offenhauser became plant manager.
Miller"s company went bankrupt in 1933. Offenhauser bought the patterns and equipment from Miller, and began developing the engine with Goossen.
The engine experienced great success at the Indianapolis 500, with 24 victories in 27 years.
Offenhauser himself was not frequently seen in Indianapolis. In 1934, Offenhauser built his first 97 cubic inch engine for midget car racing. Offenhauser sold the business in 1946 to Louis Meyer and Dale Drake.
Meyer and Drake continued producing the motor using the Offenhauser name.
He died August 17, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. He was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, in Inglewood, California.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
August 17, 1973 (aged 84) -
Nationality
American
Awards
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In 2001 he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. In 1994 he was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002. He was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1999.In 2001 he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. In 1994 he was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002. He was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1999.