Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. He was returning to Indianapolis from a visit to Chrysler's testing grounds near Detroit. Shaw won the big race at Indianapolis in 1937, 1939 and 1940. I read this book in seventh grade and instantly became a Wilbur Shaw fan. Bill Shaw, 57, was born in Akron, Ohio, where his father was director of aviation at Firestone during World War II, and now resides near Nashville, Ind. It appeared there would be a drivers strike for the 1947 500. Thanks, Ryan buildings and places have more meaning when we know the history of the people for whom they were named. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Why I became a race . It occurred with regularity in those days and was just taken as a fact of life. In 1944, Shaw discovered the deplorable condition of the Speedway when he arrived at the track to conduct a tire test for Firestone, his employer at the time. Hulman poured money into improvements, and Shaw delivered the world's greatest automobile race to enthusiastic crowds, which grew in number by the year. Cynics said auto racing was an anachronism in a day of supersonic air speeds. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. The track, built in 1953 and recently upgraded to feature a laser timer, digital weighing system and scorers bridge at the base of the hill, has featured an All-American race each year since its construction. Shaw's legacy at the Speedway is unique in that he was one of the most successful drivers ever to grace the track, and he, alongside Anton "Tony" Hulman, was a key figure in guiding the Speedway from the brink of extinction to growing international prominence and financial vibrancy in the years following World War II. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. In some cases, photocopying may not be permitted due to the condition of the item. Shaw sent out letters to the major car manufacturers trying to find a backer to buy the speedway. Shaw's highly regarded autobiography, "Gentlemen, Start your Engines," was published in 1955, and covers events through 1953. Warren Wilbur Shaw (October 31, 1902 October 30, 1954) was an American racing driver. Besides his three victories, Shaw finished second in the "500" in 1933, 1935 and 1938, fourth in 1927 and seventh in 1936. Box 2999, Indianapolis, IN 46206 2009-2017 HistoricIndianapolis.com. The track was full of holes and the grandstand was going to pieces. (Appeared in the Kansas Salina Journal 10-31-1954). Many fans of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can credit their fathers with introducing them to the 93-year-old monument to speed, but few can claim the kind of heritage and passion shared among the men of the Shaw family. The light plane exploded and crashed in a field as a farmer watched nearby. Not only was Shaw the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 in consecutive years, but his consistency was among the best ever recorded in the gruelling race, with top-five finishes (including his three wins) in five of six "500" starts between 1935 and 1940. State police said the plane crashed on a farm near Peterson, five miles southwest of Decatur. 06:40 BS shares what he learned about his father's last words and moments. DECATUR, Ind., Oct. 30 (AP)Wilbur Shaw, 52, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as three-time winner of the 500-mile race, and two companions were killed in a plane crash near here late Saturday. (AP) -- WILBUR SHAW, 52, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and three-time winner of the 500-mile race, and two companions were killed in a plane crash near Decatur Indiana late today. passenger's hand tightening seat belt - airplane crash stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Anyone can read what you share. Wilbur Shaw died in an unfortunate plane crash the day before he turned 52. (AP) -- WILBUR SHAW, 52, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and three-time winner of the 500-mile race, and two companions were killed in a plane crash near Decatur Indiana late today. At Detroit, where the men had gone to take part in a car test, the third man on the plane was identified as Ernest Roose, Indianapolis businessman and artist. This was the car in which noted drivers RALPH HEPBURN and CHET MILLER were killed -- but SHAW wasn't afraid of anything. Size of Collection:1 folder, 1 os folderCollection Dates:1940 1956 Provenance: Purchase from Cowans Auction June 29, 2012Access:The Collection is Open for Research UseRestrictions: NoneReproduction Rights:Permission to reproduce, exhibit, or publish material in this collection must be obtained from the Manuscripts and Rare Books Division, Indiana State Library. . The documentary included below in two video panels, represents a three year . He was in critical condition for several days but made it back to his office before the 1952 race. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Husband of Cathleen Sage