Mechanic, pilot and exhibition racer, who also raced on dirt tracks mostly. Survived not only a big crash in 1932, but also a trial in which he drove through Hartford, Connecticut, blindfolded! Zeke was of German ancestry who worked his way into racing via being a mechanic initially, then taking up racing, where he impressed on the Eastern dirt-tracks. Meyer holds - and likely always will - the record for most positions gained at the Indy 500 - 32 places, from 38th to 6th. Son Charles, also known as Chet, later got into racing, initially as Zeke's riding mechanic at the 1936 '500. However, Chet died in 1942 as a result of head injuries sustained over years of racing. Meyer also served, despite being over 40 years of age, in the US Army during World War Two.

Biography last updated 18 Apr 2017