49 years ago today...

[3-wide]

Wilbur Shaw, who along with Tony Hulman was responsible for saving the IMS, lost his life in a plane crash.

I personally feel that accomplishment is even more significant than his being a 3 time winner.

[Littleman]

I agree, 3-wide. Who knows what would have happened if the IMS was lost? That was what racing was all about, back then. Without it, we might have no racing today.

[Eagle104]

thanks, 3-wide.

Wilbur was a great ambassador for the sport on many levels.

a real champion.

[NoviVespa]

I had a friend who was a reporter in Indianapolis. He always criticized Eddie Rickenbacker for almost putting Indianapolis Motor Speedway under the wreckers' ball.

[beyondnascar]

Originally posted by Littleman
I agree, 3-wide. Who knows what would have happened if the IMS was lost? That was what racing was all about, back then. Without it, we might have no racing today.

.... it would look identical to its twin sister Ontario Motor Speedway. Sad

But unlike her younger sister..... Indy lived a rich and full life!

[Liz]

It's nice Wilbur is remembered - sometimes I don't think he gets his due credit for helping to save the Speedway.

I saw the Shaw memorabilia at the Hall of Fame Museum earlier this year - is it still on exhibit?

[royce]

novi-vespa

about rickenbacker , if you read the book (from the captain to the colonel) it is the history of eastern airlines. it seems he was quite an unsavory character. i would not doubt that he would have sold his own mother, but he would have wanted top dollar.:mad:

[Railbird]

Wilbur has never gotten the credit he deserved IMO.