Charlie Glotzbach (1938–2021), record-setting NASCAR driver

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Charlie Glotzbach was a NASCAR driver known as Chargin’ Charlie, who was active in the 1960s and ‘70s.

• Died: April 23, 2021 (Who else died on April 23?)
• Details of death: Died at his home in Jefferson, Indiana at the age of 82.
• We invite you to share condolences for Charlie Glotzbach in our Guest Book.

A 50-year recordholder

Glotzbach began racing with NASCAR in 1960, though he left NASCAR after his debut year to race with ARCA and USAC. IN 1964, he was named ARCA’s Rookie of the Year. Glotzbach returned to NASCAR in 1967, and his speed at major races earned him his nickname. In 1969, he was the runner-up at the Daytona 500, repeating the feat in 1972. Later in 1969, he set a world qualifying record at the Talladega Superspeedway, at 199.466 miles per hour. But it was Glotzbach’s 1971 record that was truly notable. That year, he won the Volunteer 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, setting an average speed record of 101.074 miles per hour. The record still stands today, 50 years later.

Notable quote

“I’m proud to have run in NASCAR. I was proud just to do it, but I’m also proud of the races I won. Plus I had a good percentage of finishing in the top five or top 10 of the races I ran.” —from a 2011 interview for the News and Tribune

Tributes to Charlie Glotzbach

Chargin Charlie Glotzbach passed away earlier today at his home in Jeffersonville Indiana, He was the winner of 4 races in NASCAR's highest level #RIP pic.twitter.com/iJswLvJcaa

— Johnny Dickson (@dickson_johnny) April 23, 2021

Sad to see Charging Charlie Glotzbach has passed at 82. Won 4 NASCAR races running part-time. Won 4 ARCA races & ROY. Tried to qualify for 2 Indy 500s. Once said to me "All you cover now are cautions. In my day we didn't see the yellow unless there was a fire or an ambulance." pic.twitter.com/LTPkxA8vW0

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) April 24, 2021

Sad to see Charging Charlie Glotzbach has passed at 82. Won 4 NASCAR races running part-time. Won 4 ARCA races & ROY. Tried to qualify for 2 Indy 500s. Once said to me "All you cover now are cautions. In my day we didn't see the yellow unless there was a fire or an ambulance." pic.twitter.com/LTPkxA8vW0

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) April 24, 2021

Just heard that Charlie Glotzbach has passed away. Rest easy Charlie, my condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time. Definitely a driver that deserved notoriety, and in my humble opinion, wished was victorious in the 1969 Daytona 500. R.I.P. Charlie. pic.twitter.com/kestbGopa8

— Jason Tōth (@LSDGhostKnight) April 23, 2021

Full obituary: NASCAR