Wilbur Shaw – David Allio • Racing Photography Archives

Wilbur Shaw Shelby Co Fairgrounds Shelbyville Indiana historic marker

Wilbur Shaw historic marker • Shelbyville Indiana

Wilbur Shaw
Wilbur Shaw was born in Shelbyville on October 31, 1902, and reared here. He went on to become one of the most iconic figures in all of American Sports. A household name because of his racing exploits, he loved to talk about his first race here at Shelby County Fairgrounds, in a goat cart! He was seven years old. He didn’t win that one, but claimed scores of other victories on his way to becoming a thre time winner of the fames Indianapolis 500. (1937-’39-’40)
More important than all of Wilbur’s on track accomplishments, however, were his passionate efforts after World War II to rescue the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from certain destruction. His work led Anton Hulman Jr to purchase the track in 1945, and his leadership elevated the 500 to one of the world’s premier sporting events. Until his death on October 30, 1954, Wilbur remained proud to be the Speedway’s President, a Hoosier, and from Shelbyville.

Indiana Racing Memorial Association
www.indianaracing.org