Eddie Rickenbacker: Full Speed Ahead

Eddie Rickenbacker: Full Speed Ahead. Rickenbacker Woods Incorporated. , In the early 1900s, cars were the rage in America. While working in an auto repair garage in Columbus, Eddie took advantage of his surroundings and taught himself how to drive. By his late teens he had become a skilled automotive engineer and was working as the lead mechanic for the Columbus Buggy Works Company., Racing was Eddie's passion. When most cars were reaching high speeds of 20 mph, he was topping 120 mph at the track. In 1911, at the age of 21, he raced in the first Indianapolis 500. In 1927, he bought the Indianapolis Speedway, which he operated for almost 15 years., The Business of Flight , An active businessman, Rickenbacker was involved in many business ventures, but he is best known for his leadership of Eastern Airlines. In this position he was at the forefront of the growing field of commercial aviation. As a war hero, he used his fame to convince the American public to consider flying as a transportation option. "Captain" Eddie saw building public confidence in flying as a major part of his early work.