Cyrus Richard Patschke (July 6, 1889 – May 6, 1951) was an American

racing driver Auto racing (also known as car racing, motor racing, or automobile racing) is a motorsport involving the racing of automobiles for competition. In North America, the term is commonly used to describe all forms of automobile sport including non ...

. He is best known for driving relief for Ray Harroun, during the latter's victory in the inaugural

Indianapolis 500 The Indianapolis 500, formally known as the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and commonly shortened to Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, United States, an enclave suburb of Indian ...

Biography

Patschke was born July 6, 1889, in

Lebanon, Pennsylvania Lebanon ( ; ) is a city in and the county seat of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 26,814 at the 2020 United States Census, 2020 census. Lebanon was founded by George Steitz in 1740 and was originally named ...

Early career

Patschke first came to prominence as a racer driving in 24-hour endurance contests. He participated on teams that set mileage records in 1909 and 1910.Dill, Mark (May, 2008
Unsung Heros
2008 Indianapolis 500 Program. Retrieved July 24, 2017.

1911 Indianapolis 500

In preparing his entry for the first

in 1911, Howard Marmon, the owner of the Marmon Motor Car Company, wanted his regular driver, Ray Harroun, to pilot the vehicle. However, Harroun had retired from driving the previous year and had no desire to return to the sport. After numerous conversations, Harroun agreed to drive, provided Marmon could hire the best possible relief driver (after the race Harroun would be quoted as saying "500 miles is too long a race for one man to think of driving"). When Marmon told Harroun that Patschke had offered to accept the job, Harroun reportedly replied "You can get Cy Patschke?"All Guts, No Glory
''Motorsports Magazine'', July 2001. Retrieved July 24, 2017. During the race, Patschke relieved Harroun on lap 70 with the car in fifth place. Due to scoring confusion following an accident, and with numerous cars entering the pits, the exact details of Harroun reentering the car are unknown, but believed to have been between laps 102 and 105. Patschke had the car in either first or second position. Later in the race, Patshke would also drive relief for Marmon's other entry, driven by Joe Dawson. Harroun would be recorded as the winner of the race, with Dawson's entry scored fifth. Patschke's name does not appear in the official scorecard, and his contributions would largely be forgotten.

Later career and retirement

Patschke achieved a second place and a third-place finish in other events driving for Marmon. He retired from racing in 1915, operating an automobile dealership in his hometown of Lebanon. He and his wife, Millie, had one son Frederick Cyrus and a daughter, Joan.Joan Hickey Obituary
Legacy.com. Retrieved July 24, 2017. Patschke died on May 6, 1951. In February 1952 his granddaughter was born and still lives in Orange County, Ca.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Patschke, Cyrus Sportspeople from Lebanon, Pennsylvania Racing drivers from Pennsylvania Indianapolis 500 drivers 1889 births 1951 deaths