Paul T. Glessner is an aerospace engineer by the way of Penn State University. However, he’s been a racing fan since he was just a boy. In this interview, we learn how as a boy he developed a friendship with Mark Donahue and Roger Penske and how that relationship morphed as he grew into a young man. Glessner is a very personable guy with a tremendous amount of knowledge and interesting behind-the-scenes stories that need to be told. In Part One, we’ll get to the point of his Indy car rear wing design that finished second and third at the Indianapolis 500. Enjoy!
NOTE: In Part Two, we’ll hear more about how his wing design almost won the Indy 500, as well as his aerospace expertise, and more.
By Larry Mason
Interview and Photos Copyright © by Larry Mason unless otherwise noted
A personal handwritten note from Mark Donahue to young Glessner.
The hero card photo that Donahue sent to Glessner.
This is Mark Donahue’s driver’s suit that he sent to Glessner.
Proudly wearing and holding Mark Donahue’s driver’s suit, Glessner was a fan and pen pal friend with his hero.
The newspaper article that shows a young Glessner in his bedroom that featured his hero, Mark Donahue.
Paul and his dad, Thomas J. Glessner, share a moment with Roger Penske.