EPISODE · Aug 7, 2025 · 33 MIN
Rediscovering a Forgotten Pioneer: Benjamin F. Harris III & his Speedster
from BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show · host International Motor Racing Research Center
In this episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, John Yasenko recounts the discovery and historical significance of a unique 1935 front-wheel-drive speedster created by Benjamin F. Harris III. Initially found in a neglected state in 1987, this speedster led to extensive research revealing Harris's influential role as an early industrial designer and motorsports architect. Harris contributed significantly to the development of American road racing, collaborated with notable figures like Harley Earl and Jim Kimberly, and played a key role in establishing Road America racetrack. The episode delves into Harris's innovative design elements, his associations with automotive icons, and his advocacy for safety measures like seat belts and roll bars. Harris's impactful legacy culminates in his posthumous induction into the SECA Walk of Fame in 2020. The episode also discusses the car's current state and its ongoing restoration, underscoring the importance of preserving Harris's contributions to automotive history. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Discovery of the Harris Speedster 01:15 Ben Harris: The Man Behind the Machine 02:54 Innovative Design Elements of the Harris Speedster 03:33 Harris's Collaborations and Achievements 05:27 Racing Legacy and Contributions to Motorsport 09:36 Involvement in SCCA and Road America 17:29 Advocacy for Safety in Motorsport 24:29 Legacy and Induction into the Walk of Fame 29:15 Conclusion and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.
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In this episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, John Yasenko recounts the discovery and historical significance of a unique 1935 front-wheel-drive speedster created by Benjamin F. Harris III. Initially found in a neglected state in 1987, this speedster led to extensive research revealing Harris’s influential role as an early industrial designer and motorsports architect. Harris contributed significantly to the development of American road racing, collaborated with notable figures like Harley Earl and Jim Kimberly, and played a key role in establishing Road America racetrack. The episode delves into Harris’s innovative design elements, his associations with automotive icons, and his advocacy for safety measures like seat belts and roll bars. Harris’s impactful legacy culminates in his posthumous induction into the SECA Walk of Fame in 2020. The episode also discusses the car’s current state and its ongoing restoration, underscoring the importance of preserving Harris’s contributions to automotive history.
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Rediscovering a Forgotten Pioneer: Benjamin F. Harris III & his Speedster
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