500 Facts About the Indy 500-- Part4: Carl Fisher's Baby

THE BIRTH OF IMS: BEFORE THE 500

1.  FISHER WAS THE FIRST OF THE "FOUR FATHERS."

Carl Fisher, a partner in the Prest-O-Lite auto head lamp company, got the idea for a track in Indy in 1905.  Indy was a manufacturing hub in the early days of the auto industry, and Fisher envisioned a proving grounds where cars might be able to attain the unheard speeds of 125 mph and more.

Fisher also sold cars, and racing them was a terrific sales tool.  Fisher convinced James Allison, Arthur Newby and Frank Wheeler to invest in the land for the Speedway.

--RoadDog