Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

[2cycle]

I've been reading Rodengen's fascinating book Iron Fist: The Lives of Carl Kiekhaefer. What a compelling read and at times morality tale! Anyway, can anyone tell me if Charlie Strang is still alive? The book seems to go up to the point that he left OMC. Just curious and any "epilogues" are appreciated - as are comments about the book.

 

[DJ]

Re: Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

Don't know about C.Strang.<br /><br />I've read the Iron Fist book several times.<br /><br />There is an OMC answer to it called: "OMC".<br /><br />Sorry, don't know author, but you're library will have it.<br /><br />Here you go, availalble on Amazon, A GOOD read.<br /><br />I lost my copy, in the last move.<br /><br /> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_5/104-2684483-6927966?v=glance&s=books

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

Hi 2Cycle,<br /> Yes, Charlie Strang is still around and still very much alive. Last I knew he was involved in NASCAR as National Stock Car Racing Commissioner. <br /> The amazing part of that book is that it's all TRUE! I spoke with Charlie on several occasions and even had the honor of having him as a dinner guest at our cottage in the 1000 Islands about 10 years ago, right around when IF came out. He was an invited guest at the Antique Race Boat Regatta in Clayton, NY that year and wanted to go someplace he didn't have to get dressed up for. For all that he's done and been involved in, he's about as down to earth a person as you could ever hope to meet. <br /> I still have my SIGNED copy!!<br /><br />- Scott

 

[2cycle]

Re: Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

DJ and Chinewalker,<br /> <br />Thanks a lot for the replies! I'll keep reading and also try and get OMC's side of the story. It is hard to believe it's all true as it's more interesting than fiction. Charlie Strang consistently comes across as the voice of reason and calm in the book IMO. Thanks again!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

Rodengen's OMC story is good reading and you have to have read both books to get to know Charlie Strang. I met him when he started with OMC and there was quite a rift at first since he was quickly made chief engineer over the "good old boys" and the OMC culture at the time was just the reverse of Mercury's, "Merc was a hated word".<br /><br />It's hard to believe, but that one man changed the shape of the marine industry for decades with his "inventing" the stern drive and his quest for powerful engines. He had the opportunity to work for the two major outboard companies at the time.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Iron Fist/Charlie Strang

Charlie loves anything to do with preformace, started racing stock outboard when he was just a kid. Carl sure blew that on over his petty jealousy. Some of his last words were "Tell Charlie I'm Sorry"