Hulman Family Marks 70th Anniversary of IMS Acquisition

Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw

Indianapolis Motor Speedway had fallen into disrepair while sitting idle during World War II, but the actions of Indiana-born three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Wilbur Shaw and Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr. brought the grand facility back to life.

Hulman purchased the venue from Eddie Rickenbacker, with the deal brokered 70 years ago on Nov. 14, 1945.

Next May, IMS will host the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. It has been undergoing rejuvenation this fall, with massive upgrades to spectator amenities and infrastructure that will be in place for the historic running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Read the entire fascinating story written by IMS historian Donald Davidson of how Hulman and Shaw saved the great racetrack.