Episode Summary: Paul Harvey - Ted Horn

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Paul Harvey - Ted Horn
Release Date: April 19, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Paul Harvey - Ted Horn," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode, narrated in the classic storytelling style reminiscent of Paul Harvey, unfolds the remarkable journey of Ted Horn, a legendary figure in American auto racing. Through engaging anecdotes and vivid descriptions, the episode highlights how a chance encounter with law enforcement set Ted Horn on a path to automotive greatness.

The Chase Begins

The story kicks off with a week-long pursuit by a dedicated California highway police officer determined to catch a notorious speeder. The officer, stationed along the bustling highway connecting Glendale and Los Angeles, meticulously observes the same black roadster attempting escapades at high speeds.

Narrator (B): "Each morning he's had his eye on the same speeder, same fellow driving the same black roadster, surely as fast as the car would go, but so far no luck in catching him." [01:00]

Despite several close calls earlier in the week—ranging from unexpected vehicle stalls to directional challenges—the officer remains steadfast in his mission to apprehend the elusive driver.

The Final Confrontation

On Friday, at precisely 7:15 AM, the persistently prowling officer finally catches his target. The encounter reveals that the speeder is not the seasoned driver the officer presumed but a much younger individual, evidently frightened and remorseful.

Officer: "Where is the fire?" [Shortly after 07:15]

The young man's nervous introduction provides a glimpse into his life as a newspaper employee grappling with the pressures of his job.

Young Man (I Lard): "Maybe the long hours are getting to him." [Approx. 02:30]

An Unconventional Penalty

Instead of issuing a standard speeding ticket, the officer devises an alternative form of punishment aimed at redirecting the young man's trajectory. He imposes a unique probation condition:

Officer: "You're going to San Jose day after tomorrow... choose an unoccupied car, and you're going to drive out on that track, and you are going to get all of that speeding out of your system." [Approx. 04:45]

This directive leads the young man to San Jose's racetrack, a venue notorious for its high-speed thrills and the sheer volume of cars and drivers.

Transformation at the Racetrack

Upon arriving at the racetrack, the young man experiences a profound transformation. The adrenaline-fueled environment ignites a passion for auto racing that he had never previously recognized.

Young Man: "I thought there was no place else else I would ever, ever want to be." [Approx. 06:20]

This pivotal moment marks the inception of what would become an illustrious career in racing.

The Rise of Ted Horn

Ted Horn, celebrated as one of the greatest racers in American history, attributes his legendary status to that very day. With an impressive 89 official American racetrack records, including the most consistent finishes in the Indy 500 until surpassed by Al Unser, Horn's legacy is cemented in racing lore.

Narrator: "All through the 20th century, only he had ever won the national driving championship three years in a row." [Approx. 08:00]

The episode underscores the irony that without the officer's intervention, Ted Horn might never have discovered his true calling behind the wheel.

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Chance Encounters Shape Destiny: The serendipitous meeting between Ted Horn and the police officer underscores how unexpected events can redirect life's course, leading to unforeseen achievements.

• Mentorship Beyond Conventional Means: The officer's unconventional punishment serves as a form of mentorship, providing the young man with an opportunity to discover and cultivate his innate talents.

• Legacy of Determination: Ted Horn's success is a testament to the power of persistence and the impact of pivotal moments that define one's career and legacy.

Notable Quotes

• Narrator: "Now racing fans know I lard Theodore Ted Horn. Oh, they know Ted horn. But you know that he would never have made it on the racetrack had he, age 16, not been stopped by a cop for speeding." [Approx. 09:30]

• Officer: "It was not a joke. It was not a bluff." [Approx. 05:10]

Conclusion

"Paul Harvey - Ted Horn" is a stirring homage to the Golden Age of Radio storytelling, weaving a narrative that highlights the profound impact of mentorship and chance encounters. Ted Horn's journey from a young speeder to an auto racing legend exemplifies how pivotal moments can shape one's destiny, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Whether you're a racing enthusiast or a lover of timeless radio tales, this episode offers both inspiration and a nostalgic trip back to an era where stories captivated families around the radio set.