Frank Wheeler

Twin Cities Motor Speedway

April 1, 2024 by Leave a comment

The success of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway had many other groups wanting to build a speedway. Carl Fisher headed a group to convert the old Sheepshead Bay horse racing facility in Brooklyn, New York. Others were building speedways in Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati.

Two groups wanted to build a racetrack ...

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Eddie Rickenbacker Purchases the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

January 30, 2024 by Leave a comment

After Frank Wheeler, one of the original founders, committed suicide on May 27, 1921, Jim Allison bought his shares making Allison the largest stockholder at 56.75%. Carl Fisher had moved to Miami Beach where he was busy developing Miami Beach and was planning an upscale development in Montauk, Long Island. ...

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The IMS Pagoda

January 5, 2024 by Leave a comment

The iconic Pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a history of over 100 years. To many, seeing the Pagoda brings back a flood of memories of racing at the Speedway.  

When the Speedway opened in 1909, there were two three-story buildings located at the start/finish line. The primary ...

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The Borg-Warner Trophy

January 5, 2024 by Leave a comment

Part of the tradition of the Indianapolis 500 is the presentation of the Borg-Warner Trophy to the winner. The trophy has each winner’s face, name and winning year permanently etched. A silversmith is commissioned to create the new champion’s portrait in bas-relief for placement on the trophy. Sculptor Will Behrends, ...

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