The Forgotten Hero Who Shaped the Legacy of the Indy 500

Meet Wilbur Shaw

Wilbur Shaw did more than just win three Indy 500 races. He also helped save the track. Find out how.

Wilbur Shaw was the winner of the Indy 500 in 1937, 1939, and 1940, but that’s not what makes him one of the most important people in American auto racing history. Shaw also saved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) from demolition and served as its president for nearly a decade.

Wilbur Shaw’s Racing Career

Before we talk about how Shaw saved the IMS, let’s start at the beginning with a brief discussion of his early career. Shaw was born on October 31, 1902, in Shelbyville, IN. He participated in his first Indy 500 race in 1927, but he didn’t win immediately.

It took some time for Shaw to find his feet as a racecar driver. He won his first Indianapolis 500 race in 1937, then won again in 1939, and again in 1940. As such, Shaw was the first driver to win consecutive Indy 500 races.

Shaw also won three second-place trophies at the popular race in 1933, 1935, and 1938. He led the race at some stage of half the 14 Indy 500 races he participated in.

The driver’s last attempt at the Indy 500 happened in 1941. During that race, a wheel collapsed while he was in the lead. He lost the race and sustained an injury when his car crashed. It was only later discovered that someone had placed a defective wheel on his car.

Throughout his career, Shaw totaled 508 laps led at the Indy 500. Added to this distinction, he was also the National Driving Champion in two years, 1937 and 1939.

Shaw’s Role in Saving the IMS

Shaw played a pivotal role in saving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ultimately becoming its president. This part of his career began during World War II when the Speedway was closed due to the war.

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company had hired Shaw to test a new synthetic rubber tire at the IMS. When Shaw saw the sad state of the racetrack, he contacted its owner, Eddie Rickenbacker, immediately.

What had happened was that when World War II broke out, Rickenbacker closed up shop for the duration, padlocked the gates, and forgot about the IMS. No care was given to maintaining the course while the war was on.

When Shaw met with Rickenbacker to discuss the track, he learned that it was to be demolished so the land could be used for housing. He took swift action to send letters to major auto brands, seeking a backer to purchase the Speedway. Unfortunately, he found no takers.

Shaw eventually saved the track with the help of Terre Haute businessman Tony Hulman, a long-time fan of the Indy 500. He convinced Hulman to buy the track from Rickenbacker in November 1945. It sold for a total of $750,000.

The IMS Thrived Under Wilbur Shaw

To recognize his efforts at saving the Speedway, Shaw was appointed its president. While he held the role, he maintained complete day-to-day control over the track.

During his time as president, Shaw injected new energy into the Indy 500, drew in ever-larger crowds, and turned it into the iconic American race it is today.