Charles D. Strang, Jr. is credited with drawing up the first design for the sterndrive engine, which is today an industry staple. Strang, Jr. passed away on March 11, 2018 at the age of 96. Strang grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from the Polytechnic University of Brooklyn with a degree in mechanical engineering. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and worked as a test engineer on aircraft engines. Later, he worked at what’s known now as NASA. In 1951, he became the director of research at Kiekhaefer Mercury Marine, working his way up to vice president. He later became CEO and chairman of the board at Outboard Marine Corporation. For 10 years, Strang also held the post of national commissioner for NASCAR, and in 2015 was inducted into the MOPAR Hall of Fame.
