This story about the Christie from William Nolan's biography of Barney Oldfield tells us what the Christie was capable of, even when it was old, worn, and considered entirely obsolete.
The most exciting news of the 1916 Indianapolis 500 meet had to do with Barney's famous killer Christie now ancient by racing car standards. On May 28th, the master driver trundled the front drive machine out to the brickyard for a shot at the official track record, then held by George Boillot who had circled the big speedway in 1914 at 99.7 miles per hour. On the previous afternoons run, the gasoline tank had vibrated loose on the uneven brick surface as Oldfield accelerated out of a turn, and had been forced to reach back and hold the tank steady with one hand, steering with the other. Obviously the tired machine was too old to sustain such all-out efforts and any number of vital parts might give way in this attempt to surpass Boillot's time.
Carl Fisher (owner of the speedway) was concerned for Oldfield's safety. Barney, if you'll sell me that Christy right now, I'll take that damned pile of junk into the infield and burn it. It's a death trap on wheels!
Oldfield grinned. I've got a hunch she's still the fastest sprinter in the country. Tell you what I'll do, Carl. I've been admiring that white Stetson of yours. If you'll bet it against my busting the record, I'll promise to buy you five more like it if I don't break 100 out there today. If I do break 100, the hats mine.
You'll probably break your neck instead said Fisher, but it's a deal. The car was warmed up and Oldfield slid into the driving seat. Barney moved out slowly on to the 2.5 mile track, then began picking up speed as he gradually opened the throttle. The Christie's nose wavered slightly as Oldfield leaned on the gas. He circled faster, passing the main stands where the packed spectators craned their necks to see him hammer by.- and he gave a thumbs up signal to the timer .
The next lap would tell the story.
Hugging the bricks, the red car shot by the timing stand like a bullet fired from a giant gun, and the seconds began ticking away on the official watches. Old field rammed into the first turn with the treacherous Christy wide open, sliding to the outside. He corrected, keeping his foot down hard as the tires screamed against the track surface. On the North turn, the car appeared to rise up; it seemed to shake and twist itself like a frenzied animal as Barney fought the wheel. Would he die here on the famed oval, after so many hair breath escapes?
No, the Christy straightened, aimed for the tape. With a sulpherous rush, it was passed - and the lap time was posted for the vast crowd to see: one minute 27.7 seconds, for an average speed of 102.6 miles per hour. He had done it. Barney Oldfield became the first driver in history to lap the Indianapolis motor speedway at over 100 mph. Braking into the pits, Oldfield extended one hand toward Carl Fisher "My hat if you please!"
