Gil Andersen

In the 24th episode of 200 Norwegians, you will learn about Gil Andersen, the man who left Horten for America alone at the age of fifteen and became one of the country’s fastest and most celebrated racing drivers. He helped design and build the early Stutz automobiles, survived some of the deadliest years in motor-racing history and became the first driver to win a board-track race at an average speed of more than one hundred miles per hour. Yet after reaching the height of fame, his life took a darker turn. This is the story of a forgotten Norwegian pioneer who helped transform the American automobile industry.