Tony Hulman and the Indianapolis 500: The Legacy of the Man Who Saved the Brickyard

Tony Hulman is the transformative figure who rescued the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from abandonment following World War II. By purchasing the derelict facility in 1945, he restored the Indianapolis 500 to its status as a premier global sporting event, establishing a family dynasty that managed the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" for seventy-five years.

The history of the Indianapolis 500 is often divided into two distinct eras: before Tony Hulman and after Tony Hulman. While the race was founded in 1911 by Carl Fisher and his partners, the version of the event the world recognizes today—a massive cultural phenomenon characterized by traditions, permanent grandstands, and global media reach—is the direct result of Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr.’s vision. In 2026, as the racing world continues to evolve under new leadership, the foundations laid by Hulman remain the bedrock upon which the entire NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) stand.

The Post-War Crisis of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

To understand the magnitude of Tony Hulman’s impact, one must first look at the dire state of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late 1945. The track had been shuttered during World War II, as the United States focused its industrial and human resources on the war effort. Under the ownership of World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, the facility had fallen into a shocking state of disrepair.

By the time the war ended, the "Brickyard" was essentially a 559-acre weed patch. The wooden grandstands were rotting, the track surface was uneven and overgrown with grass, and the infrastructure was virtually nonexistent. Rickenbacker, preoccupied with his leadership of Eastern Air Lines, had little interest in the costly task of renovating the speedway. There was a very real possibility that the land would be sold to developers and turned into a residential housing tract, which would have ended the Indianapolis 500 forever.

The salvation of the track came through the persistence of Wilbur Shaw, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner. Shaw recognized that the race was a vital piece of American culture and searched desperately for a buyer with the financial resources and the passion to save it. He found that person in Tony Hulman, a successful businessman from Terre Haute, Indiana, whose family had built a fortune through the Hulman & Company wholesale grocery business and the popular Clabber Girl Baking Powder brand.

The Historic 1945 Acquisition

On November 14, 1945, Tony Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Rickenbacker for $750,000—a sum that, while significant at the time, is now viewed as one of the greatest bargains in sports history. Hulman did not view the purchase as a mere business transaction; he saw it as a civic duty and a stewardship of Indiana's most famous landmark.

Immediately after the purchase, Hulman appointed Wilbur Shaw as the track's president and general manager. The duo faced a race against time to prepare the facility for the 1946 Indianapolis 500, which was less than seven months away. The renovation effort was Herculean. Workers replaced miles of fencing, cleared acres of brush, and repaired the most dangerous sections of the brick track. When the gates finally opened in May 1946, the massive crowds proved that the public’s appetite for racing had not waned. The success of that first post-war race solidified Hulman’s commitment to making the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the finest racing facility in the world.

Infrastructure and the Modernization of the Fan Experience

Tony Hulman’s tenure was marked by a philosophy of constant reinvestment. Unlike many sports owners who sought to maximize immediate profits, Hulman funneled the race's earnings back into the facility every year. This "long view" allowed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to transition from a rustic fairground-style track into a modern stadium.

The Shift to Permanent Steel and Concrete

One of Hulman's first major projects was replacing the dangerous and flammable wooden grandstands with permanent steel and concrete structures. This not only increased safety but also significantly expanded the seating capacity. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the skyline of the Speedway changed as massive double-deck grandstands were constructed along the main straightaway.

The Paddock and Tower Terrace

Hulman recognized that the "spectacle" of the race involved more than just the action on the track. He invested in the Paddock and Tower Terrace areas, providing better views and amenities for fans. By creating a more professional environment, he attracted major corporate sponsors, which in turn increased the prize purses and the quality of the field.

The IMS Museum and Hall of Fame

In 1956, Hulman established the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Initially housed in a small building on the corner of the grounds, it eventually moved to its current location inside the 2.5-mile oval. By preserving the history of the race and the cars that ran it, Hulman ensured that the legacy of the Indy 500 would be passed down through generations.

Defining the Traditions of the Indianapolis 500

Perhaps Tony Hulman's most enduring contribution to the Indianapolis 500 was his role as the master of ceremonies. He understood that the race needed a sense of "occasion," and he leaned into the pageantry that differentiates the Indy 500 from every other race in the world.

The most famous of these traditions is the command, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" Hulman first delivered this command in 1953, and his distinctive, slightly hesitant, yet booming delivery became a hallmark of the pre-race ceremonies. Even after his death in 1977, the tradition continued with his widow, Mari George Hulman, and later his grandchildren.

Other cultural staples strengthened under Hulman's leadership include:

• The Festival of the 500: Expanding the race into a month-long celebration involving parades, balls, and community events.
• The Victory Lane Celebration: Formalizing the traditions of the Borg-Warner Trophy and the winner's drink of milk (a tradition revived and popularized during his era).
• The "Back Home Again in Indiana" Performance: Turning the pre-race song into a moment of collective national pride.

Safety Innovations and the USAC Era

Under Tony Hulman, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway became a laboratory for automotive safety. Because the speeds at Indianapolis were higher than anywhere else, the facility often had to pioneer safety measures that would later become industry standards.

In 1956, Hulman was instrumental in the formation of the United States Auto Club (USAC). Following the American Automobile Association's (AAA) withdrawal from racing sanctioning due to safety concerns (notably after the 1955 Le Mans disaster and the death of Bill Vukovich at Indy), Hulman stepped in to create a new governing body. This ensured that the Indianapolis 500 had a stable, professional organization to oversee technical regulations and safety protocols.

During the Hulman years, the track saw the introduction of:

1. Mandatory Roll Bars: Standardized requirements to protect drivers in the event of a flip.
2. Fire Retardant Suits: Innovations in driver apparel to mitigate the risks of methanol fires.
3. The "Safety Team" Concept: Professionalizing the on-track response crews to ensure rapid medical intervention.

Comparing the Speedway: Pre-Hulman vs. Post-Hulman

The following table highlights the radical transformation of the facility under Tony Hulman’s leadership and his family’s subsequent stewardship.

The Hulman-George Family and the 2020 Transition

Tony Hulman passed away on October 27, 1977, but his influence did not end there. His wife, Mary Fendrich Hulman, took over as chairman, followed by their daughter, Mari George Hulman. The family continued to operate the track with the same "Speedway first" mentality for decades.

In the 1990s, Tony Hulman’s grandson, Tony George, took a more active role, founding the Indy Racing League (IRL). While this era was marked by the "Split" in open-wheel racing—a period of significant political turmoil—the commitment to the physical facility of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway never wavered. Significant upgrades, including the construction of the new Pagoda and the addition of a road course to host Formula 1 and later NASCAR, occurred during this time.

In early 2020, the Hulman-George family made the historic decision to sell the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series to Penske Entertainment Corp., led by Roger Penske. While the ownership has changed, the move was seen as a way to ensure the track’s future under another steward who shared Tony Hulman’s dedication to excellence. Roger Penske has often stated that his goal is to build upon the legacy that Hulman established, maintaining the traditions while modernizing the infrastructure for the next century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Tony Hulman considered the "savior" of the Indianapolis 500?

Tony Hulman is called the savior because he purchased the track at a time when it was physically falling apart and at risk of being demolished. In 1945, the previous owner was ready to sell the land for non-racing development. Hulman’s investment and his decision to put every penny of profit back into the facility saved the race from extinction.

How much did Tony Hulman pay for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

He purchased the speedway for $750,000 in 1945. Adjusted for inflation, this would be roughly $12 million today. However, the value of the brand and the real estate today is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, making it one of the most successful sports investments in history.

What was Tony Hulman's business before he bought the track?

The Hulman family owned Hulman & Company, a massive wholesale grocery and manufacturing firm based in Terre Haute, Indiana. Their most famous product was Clabber Girl Baking Powder. This family wealth provided the necessary capital to rebuild the Speedway without the immediate pressure for the track to be profitable.

Is the Hulman family still involved with the Indy 500?

As of 2026, the Hulman-George family no longer owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the IndyCar Series, having sold them to Roger Penske in 2020. However, their influence is still felt everywhere at the track, and the Hulman-George family remains a revered name in the racing community, often participating in ceremonial roles.

What is the significance of the "Yard of Bricks" at the finish line?

The entire track was originally paved with 3.2 million bricks in 1909. Under Tony Hulman's leadership, the track was gradually paved over with asphalt for safety and speed, but he insisted on leaving a three-foot strip of the original bricks at the start/finish line. This "Yard of Bricks" serves as a permanent link to the track’s history.

Practical Guidance for Racing Historians and Fans

For those looking to truly understand the impact of Tony Hulman, a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is essential. Located within the track's infield, the museum houses the "Tony Hulman Theatre," which often runs films detailing the 1945 acquisition and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.

When visiting the track today, look for the bronze statue of Tony Hulman. It stands as a reminder that the world-class facility—now capable of hosting more than 300,000 fans—exists only because one man from Terre Haute decided that Indiana's greatest tradition was worth saving. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated racing enthusiast, recognizing the stewardship of Tony Hulman is key to appreciating why the Indianapolis 500 remains the pinnacle of international motorsports.