Anton Hulman, Jr.

Inducted 1978

Distinguished Service Citation Award 1970

Rescued the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from obsolescence and established the Indy 500 as the most prestigious racing event in the U.S.

Established the Indianapolis Speedway’s Hall of Fame museum to display classic race cars and racing memorabilia

A prominent Indiana businessman, “Tony”Hulman knew little about racing in 1945 when three-time Indy 500 winner Wilbur Shaw approached him with an idea. Shaw had paid a visit to the legendary Indianapolis Speedway and found that it had deteriorated after several years of disuse during World War II. Hulman purchased the Speedway for $750,000 and worked with Shaw to rebuild the track and resume the annual races. Their combined efforts brought worldwide acclaim to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 race. Working behind the scenes until Shaw’s death, Hulman took over Speedway operations in 1956, continually making improvements to the facility and increasing the amount of prize money to more than $1 million. In 1976, Hulman completed the Speedway’s Hall of Fame museum for the display of memorabilia and historic racing vehicles including the car A.J. Foyt drove in his record-making fourth win at Indy. Hulman summarized his personal philosophy: “Whether in sports or in business, play the game fair and you’ll succeed.”

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Class of 1978

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