Tony Hulman
#218,993 Most Popular
About
Businessman who bought the dilapidated Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 and created the 500 race that made it famous.
Before Fame
He saved a Speedway that was a shadow of its former glory after a series of fatal crashes, the Great Depression, and World War II took their toll. Its owner,Eddie Rickenbacker, sold it for $750,000.
Trivia
He invested millions more dollars into renovating the track with new seats, a safer course, and a large, eight-story control tower. He supervised the Indianapolis 500 until 1977.
Family Life
His grandfather founded the Hulman & Co. wholesale grocery business, which Tony took over running.
Associated With
His raceway enabled many famous NASCAR drivers to make their marks, including both Al Unser and his son.
