I just got the green light from Linda Jones, President of Gilbert Art, to post images of original work from acclaimed artist WK Gilbert, who has been selected to create art for the upcoming movie about the first Indianapolis 500. They are great people and Gilbert's art captures the glory that was that landmark sporting event. There will never be anything like it again.
 

Carl Fisher was an immensely interesting and compelling figure. His risk tolerance was, at least to me, as a pretty risk-adverse guy, nothing short of amazing. Carl's willingness to role the dice financially is well documented in the three biographical books written about him (the best by Jerry Fisher), the PBS documentary (Mr.

This is one of the first videos I ever featured with firstsuperspeedway.com, but I thought I would bring up again. This is part of terrific documentary on the history of motor racing. Excellent footage dating back to 1902.

I just uploaded this article on how the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pulled back from establishing a "saloon" on the grounds of their facility as they approached opening day for the first motorized competition (motorcycles) in 1909. I imagine a rowdy place with wild west swinging doors, but who knows what they really had in mind. Just keep in mind Carl Fisher loved to drink and smoke cigars. He spitoons in his bedroom!